Career Details
				Career Details
			
            	            	
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		Career Details
19-4012.00 - Agricultural Technicians
19-4012.00 - Agricultural Technicians
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Key Facts

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            Tasks

Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
 - Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
 - Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
 - Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
 - Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
 - Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
 - Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
 - Collect animal or crop samples.
 - Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
 - Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
 
Supplemental
- Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
 - Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
 - Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
 - Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
 - Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
 - Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
 - Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
 - Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
 - Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.
 - Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
 - Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
 - Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
 - Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
 - Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
 - Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
 - Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
 
		All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.	
Knowledge

Knowledge
The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
	
    	All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.    
Tools

Tools
		The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
	
		
	    	All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.    	
	Technology

Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
	
    
    	All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.    
Certifications

Certifications
					FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward 
  	
			The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field. 
							No specific certifications are listed for this career
				
    		All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.    	
	Licensing

Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
	
	No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
    
    	All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.    
Related Programs

			Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below. 
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