About This Career

Works with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assists with animal breeding and nutrition. Sets up or maintains laboratory equipment and collects samples from crops or animals. Prepares specimens or records data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conducts tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Food Products and Processing Systems pathway.

A person in this career:

• Prepares land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
• Operates farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
• Records data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
• Maintains or repairs agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
• Performs crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
• Collects animal or crop samples.
• Examines animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
• Sets up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
• Supervises or trains agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
• Conducts studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
• Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel