Agricultural and Agritech Technician
What the work is
Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support to assist Agricultural Research Scientists, Agronomists, and Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing, and advises on, installs and services advanced agriculture technology and equipment, such as precision agricultural solutions, virtual fencing and automatic milking machines.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Examines topographical, physical and soil characteristics of farmland to determine its most effective use and identify nutrient deficiencies
- Assists Agricultural Research Scientists in developing new methods of planting, fertilising, harvesting and processing crops to achieve optimum land usage
- Identifies pathogenic microorganisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assists in devising methods of control
- Provides advice, training and technical support and services on technology solutions such as sensors, farm management software, data and robotics
- Installs, programs, tests, repairs and maintains advanced agriculture technology and equipment
- Develops, operates and maintains complex technological systems and equipment in farm production, including analysing data and preparing reports
- Applies geospatial and other technology systems to support primary production, such as automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applications, and survey equipment
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in a biosecurity inspection shed at a fictional regional airport and a nearby farming district. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- You stop a pest at the border before it reaches a single farm
- A farmer rings to say your advice saved a season's crop
- A lab result comes back and confirms your hunch from the paddock
Hard days
- A traveller who is tired and angry about having their bag searched
- A producer who believes your rules are costing them money
- Early starts, long drives and standing in the weather to look at crops or animals
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 311131, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.