Agricultural Technical Officer
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Agricultural scientists study farm animals,
crops and factors affecting farm production, to improve the efficiency and
sustainability of farms and related agricultural enterprises. They collect
and analyse
samples of produce, feed, soil, water and other elements that
may be affecting agricultural production. They also study the effects of
different farming techniques, associated pests and diseases and
environmental conditions that may be affecting production. This data can be
used to develop more efficient techniques for solving agricultural problems,
such as drought or pest infestation. Agricultural scientists try to maintain
a balance between the economic requirements of farmers and environmental
conservation and management concerns.
ANZSCO ID & Description:
234112: Studies commercial plants, animals and
cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural
industries.
Alternative names: Farming Scientist, Horticulture
Scientist
Specialisations:
Agricultural scientists who specialise in the wine industry deal with the
research and production of wines and the microbiology and chemistry of
winemaking.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
An agricultural scientist needs:
- good communication skills
- the ability to analyse and solve problems
- the ability to make accurate and detailed
observations
- patience
- an interest in agriculture and the
environment
- an understanding of business principles
- able to analyse and solve problems
- interested in science and the environment
- able to make accurate observations
- good oral and written communication skills
- well organised with supervisory ability
- able to work as part of a team.
Duties and Tasks
Agricultural scientists may perform the following tasks:
- collect and analyse data and samples of produce, feed, soil and
other factors affecting production
- advise farmers and farm managers on techniques for improving the
production of crops and livestock
- advise farmers on issues such as livestock and crop disease, control
of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding
programs
- study environmental factors affecting commercial crop production,
pasture growth and animal breeding
- study the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and
plant diseases on animal and crop production
- develop procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems
and improving the efficiency of production.
Working conditions
Agricultural scientists may work in laboratories, in offices, in the field
or in a combination of these. Some work alone but most work as members of a
team alongside other scientists, farmers and other people involved in
providing services to the agricultural industry.
Agricultural scientists generally divide their time between carrying out
field work at farms and nurseries and working in offices, laboratories
and/or glasshouses. When conducting field work they usually work outside in
a wide range of weather conditions, depending on the time of year and
location of the farm. Their hours of work can vary considerably,
depending on the type of work being carried out. Most office and laboratory
work is performed during regular business hours, while field work often
involves early mornings and may also require weekend work.
Tools and technologies
Agricultural scientists use a range of specialised scientific equipment,
both to collect and preserve samples in the field, and analyse them in the
laboratory. This may include simple equipment such as test tubes, sample
jars and microscopes, as well as more advanced machinery used to prepare and
analyse samples. Agricultural scientists may come into regular contact with
various chemicals, which can be potentially harmful if appropriate safety
precautions are not followed. This includes wearing protective clothing such
as gloves, safety glasses and lab coats. Some agricultural scientists may
also operate farm equipment, such as tractors, when conducting field work.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an agricultural scientist you usually need to complete a degree in
agribusiness or a science degree with a major in agricultural science or a
related field.
Did You Know?
According to this dataset, in 2005-06 the total
area of land under primary production (livestock grazing, dryland
and
irrigated agriculture) was nearly 4.6 million square kilometres or
59% of the continent. The dominant land use is
livestock grazing which makes up 56% (or 4.3 million square
kilometres) of land uses.
(Source:
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
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Agricultural technicians provide
technical support to assist agricultural scientists in studying farm
animals, crops and factors affecting farm production, to improve the
efficiency and sustainability of farms and related agricultural enterprises.
They collect and analyse samples of produce, feed, soil, water and other
elements that may be affecting agricultural production. Agricultural
technicians support the study of different farming techniques, associated
pests and diseases and environmental conditions that may be affecting
production. This data can be used to develop more efficient techniques for
solving agricultural problems, such as drought or pest infestation.
Agricultural technical officers provide complex technical support and advise
on aspects of agriculture such as research, production, servicing and
marketing. Agricultural technical officers may
work in laboratories, in the field or both. They usually work in a team with
other scientists.
ANZSCO
ID: 3111
Alternative names:
Agricultural Technician
Specialisations:
-
Agriculture Laboratory Technician,
-
Dairy Technician,
-
Field Crop Technical Officer,
-
Herd Tester,
-
Artificial Insemination Technical Officer
- uses artificial insemination techniques and controlled
breeding experiments to develop improved livestock and herd strains
-
Horticultural Technical Officer - works on new methods of
planting, fertilising, harvesting, processing and transporting
crops, including fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental nursery
crops.
-
Poultry Technical Officer - is involved in the production,
management, processing and marketing of eggs, chickens, turkeys and
game birds, including breeding and disease control.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
-
good at
science
-
able to
analyse and solve problems
-
enjoy
agriculture and the environment
-
able to
make accurate observations and recordings
-
able to
work as part of a team
-
enjoy
working outdoors
(Source:
Seek)
Duties and Tasks
Agricultural technical
officers may perform the following tasks:
-
work with
agricultural scientists using small plot experiments to compare plant
varieties and test the effects of various treatments on growth and yield
-
work with
soil scientists to study irrigation techniques and analyse plants used
in soil treatment experiments
-
work with
plant breeders to produce new strains and select superior products
-
work with
animal breeders using artificial insemination techniques to produce
offspring that mature earlier
-
record
and interpret experimental data in field experiments,
research, or animal care
-
interpret
aerial photographs and prepare maps showing soil and vegetation patterns
-
assist in
the chemical analysis and laboratory culture of microorganisms that
cause diseases in plants and animals
-
measure
or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing
-
collate
and prepare data summaries, reports, or analysis that includes charts or
graphs to show research findings and results
-
assemble
laboratory or field equipment when needed for experiments or testing
-
examining
topographical, physical and soil characteristics of farmland to
determine its most effective use and identify nutrient deficiencies
-
assisting
in developing new methods of planting, fertilising, harvesting and
processing crops to achieve optimum land usage
-
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
-
inspecting livestock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae
-
assisting
in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved crop and
livestock strains
-
arranging
the supply of drugs, vaccines and other chemicals to Farmers and Farm
Managers, and giving advice on their use
-
collecting and collating data for research
-
planning
slaughtering, harvesting and other aspects of production processes
-
may
advise producers on farming techniques and management
-
ready
samples for analysis, following appropriate procedures to ensure that
they are stored, prepared, and disposed of properly
-
carry out
research and provide advice about various technical issues
Department of Agriculture and Food
technical officer Martin Harris (left) and Elders agronomist
and Yuna farmer Belinda Eastough, examine a trial of Gunyidi lupins.
(Source:
Farmonline)
Working conditions
Agricultural technicians generally divide their
time between carrying out field work at farms and nurseries, and
working in offices, laboratories and/or glasshouses. When conducting
field work, they typically work outside in a wide range of weather
conditions, depending on the time of year and location of the farm.
Their hours of work can vary considerably, depending on the type of
work being carried out. Most office and laboratory work is performed
during regular business hours, while field work often involves early
mornings and may also require weekend work.
Tools and technologies
Agricultural technicians use a range of
specialised scientific equipment, both to collect and preserve
samples in the field, and analyse them in the laboratory.
Agricultural technicians may come into contact with chemicals, which
require the wearing of protective clothing such as gloves, safety
glasses and lab coats. Some agricultural technicians may also
operate farm equipment, such as tractors, when conducting field
work.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an agricultural technician, you
usually need to gain a qualification in agriculture. The Diploma of
Agriculture is offered at TAFE Colleges throughout Australia
in agriculture, horticulture, sustainable agriculture or animal
technology. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a
degree in agricultural science, or a science degree with a major in
agriculture-related studies. To get into these courses you usually
need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed
knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology,
chemistry and physics are normally required.
A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.
Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible
entry requirements or offer external study.
Employment Opportunities
Agricultural technical officers
are employed by state, territory and federal government departments, the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO),
pastoral companies, agricultural chemical manufacturers and farm
consultancies. Employment of agricultural and food
technicians is projected to show some growth.
More technology and scientific knowledge related to food production will
allow greater control of food production and processing activities and in
turn increase demand for agricultural and food technical officers. Continued
population growth will drive the need to increase efficiency of production
and processing methods. More awareness and enforcement of food safety
regulations will increase inspection requirements, which, in turn, will
increase the need for agricultural and food science technical officers.
In the past, government organisations were the major employers of
agricultural technical officers. However, government positions are now often
offered as short-term contracts based on project funding. Much of the work
has been contracted out to private businesses and consultancy practices.
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