Precision Agriculture Technicians

Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Examples

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).

Use geospatial technology to develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites for testing characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium content, pH, or micronutrients.

Apply precision agriculture information to specifically reduce the negative environmental impacts of farming practices.

Demonstrate the applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, or computer mapping software.

Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.

Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data.

Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history.

Analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps.

Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings.

Analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, or weather conditions.

Contact equipment manufacturers for technical assistance, as needed.

Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps.

Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability.

Prepare reports in graphical or tabular form, summarizing field productivity or profitability.

Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans.

Recommend best crop varieties or seeding rates for specific field areas, based on analysis of geospatial data.

Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials.

Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance, and weather history.

Provide advice on the development or application of better boom-spray technology to limit the overapplication of chemicals and to reduce the migration of chemicals beyond the fields being treated.

Identify areas in need of pesticide treatment by analyzing geospatial data to determine insect movement and damage patterns.

Advise farmers on upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to take advantage of newly installed advanced satellite technology.

Participate in efforts to advance precision agriculture technology, such as developing advanced weed identification or automated spot spraying systems.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
SST Development Group SSToolbox
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Agricultural and forestry and landscape machinery and equipment
Air clutches
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Consumer electronics
Global positioning system GPS receivers
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Tractor mounted soil probes
Top 10 Knowledge Required
English Language
74%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics
73%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Food Production
72%
Importance

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Mathematics
71%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Customer and Personal Service
70%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Biology
66%
Importance

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Education and Training
62%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Engineering and Technology
62%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Administration and Management
61%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Geography
61%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
78%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
78%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
75%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning
70%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Judgment and Decision Making
68%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Systems Analysis
68%
Importance

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Writing
68%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving
65%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Mathematics
65%
Importance

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Expression
78%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Expression
78%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Information Ordering
73%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Problem Sensitivity
68%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Speech Clarity
68%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
94%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Getting Information
85%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information
83%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Documenting/Recording Information
81%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information
80%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
77%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
75%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
74%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Detailed Work Activities

Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

Research crop management methods.

Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

Collect geographical or geological field data.

Analyze environmental data.

Prepare maps.

Conduct climatological research.

Record research or operational data.

Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.

Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.

Develop agricultural methods.

Analyze geological or geographical data.

Prepare operational reports.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

Deal With External Customers

How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?

Education
Majors   based on the broader career Agricultural Technicians
Major
Animal Sciences
Plant Sciences
Soil Sciences
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
Biology, General
Interests
Realistic
86%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative
81%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional
67%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
39%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
24%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
89%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
88%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity
87%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Analytical Thinking
85%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Initiative
82%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
80%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
77%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation
77%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Independence
77%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Achievement/Effort
76%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Work Values
Working Conditions
69%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Independence
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Support
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Recognition
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.