ANZSCO code 311111

Agricultural Technician

Description

Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Skill Level 2

Occupations at Skill Level 2 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following: – NZ Register Diploma or – AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. 

Assessing Authority

• Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)

vetassess@vetassess.com.au 

Alternative Titles

• Agricultural Technical Officer

 Alternative titles are any commonly used alternative title (or titles) for the occupation. These alternative titles have the same meaning as the principal title but may be less commonly used. 

Specialisations

• Agriculture Laboratory Technician
• Artificial Insemination Technical Officer
• Dairy Technician
• Field Crop Technical Officer
• Herd Tester
• Horticultural Technical Officer

 Specialisation titles are any commonly used titles which refer to a subset of jobs belonging to the occupation designated in the principal title. These jobs involve the performance of specialised tasks rather than the broader range of tasks usually performed in the occupation.

Unit Group 3111: Agricultural Technicians Description Perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Indicative Skill Level Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand: NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. 

Tasks

• 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