Agricultural technicians

Agricultural technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical and scientific support to agricultural scientists, farmers and farm managers.

Tasks

• Preparing materials and equipment for experiments, tests and analyses
• Collecting and preparing specimens such as soils, plant or animal cells, tissues or parts of animal organs for experiments, tests and analyses
• Assisting with and performing experiments, tests and analyses applying methods and techniques such as microscopy, histochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectroscopy
• Identifying pathogenic micro-organisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assisting in devising methods of control
• Analysing produce to set and maintain standards of quality
• Conducting or supervising operational programs such as fish hatchery, greenhouse and livestock production programs
• Analysing samples of seeds for quality, purity and germination rating
• Collecting data and estimating quantities and costs of materials and labour required for projects
• Organizing maintenance and repairs of research equipment