What does an Agricultural Technician do?

According to people in this career, the main tasks are...

TaskImportance
Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
85%
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
85%
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
83%
Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
80%
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.
78%
Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
78%
Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
77%
Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
77%
Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
77%
Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
77%
Collect animal or crop samples.
74%
Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
74%
Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
74%
Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
73%
Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
72%
Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
72%
Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
71%
Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
70%
Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
68%
Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
68%
Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
64%
Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
63%
Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
62%
Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
60%
Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
58%
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.
49%