Agricultural Science Technician
I. JOB SUMMARY
Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Physical Geography
Overview: Agricultural science technicians measure and analyze agricultural products through assisting agricultural and food scientists. They will work in the field doing agricultural labor and in laboratories testing samples depending on their specific field. They will examine animal and crop samples to determine the presence of problems like diseases. Agricultural science technicians will measure ingredients in animal feed or fertilizers utilizing laboratory equipment. They need to compile and present their findings describing their test findings. Geographers that specialize in field methods and can follow lab procedures would be suited for this field. They may specialize in animal health, farm machinery, fertilizers, or processing technologies. Following the growing popularity of organics, non-GMO products, and improved lived conditions, this field is expected to grow in the coming decade.
Geographers at work: Physical geographers, Environmental geographers, Agricultural geographers
Recommended College Courses: Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Weather and Climate, Research Methods in Geography, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Natural Resource Use and Management, Geomorphology, Regional Field Studies, Landscape Biogeography, Environmental Hazards
Skills: Qualitative and quantitative methods, Farm and ranch management, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Field methods, Landscape and location analysis
Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Sciences
Learn more about Agricultural Science Technician from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-science-technicians.htm#tab-2
Written by Alisa Hartsell
II. POWERFUL GEOGRAPHIC KNOWLEDGE