Agricultural Technicians

Agricultural technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical and scientific support to agricultural scientists, farmers and farm managers. Tasks include - (a) preparing materials and equipment for experiments, tests and analyses; (b) collecting and preparing specimens such as soils, plant or animal cells, tissues or parts of animal organs for experiments, tests and analyses; (c) assisting with and performing experiments, tests and analyses applying methods and techniques such as microscopy, histochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectroscopy; (d) identifying pathogenic micro-organisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assisting in devising methods of control; (e) analysing produce to set and maintain standards of quality; (f) conducting or supervising operational programmes such as fish hatchery, greenhouse and livestock production programmes; (g) analysing samples of seeds for quality, purity and germination rating; (h) collecting data and estimating quantities and costs of materials and labour required for projects; (i) organizing maintenance and repairs of research equipment. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Dairy technician - Field crop technician - Herd tester - Horticultural technician - Poultry technician Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Artificial inseminator - 3240 - Veterinary technician - 3240.