What they do
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
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Also called: |
Agricultural Research Technician, Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist, Research Technician, Seed Analyst
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Wages
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Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 18.84 |
$39,190 |
25% |
$ 18.84 |
$39,190 |
Median |
$ 18.84 |
$39,190 |
75% |
$ 24.84 |
$51,660 |
90% |
$ 29.51 |
$61,370 |
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Average |
$ 21.43 |
$44,560 |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians* |
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
| 32% |
| 18% |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 17% |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 14% |
- Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing
| 4% |
* You're seeing information for "Agricultural and Food Science Technicians" because it includes "Agricultural Technicians" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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- Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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- Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
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- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
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- Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
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- Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
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- Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Agricultural and Food Science Technicians* |
Vermont |
2020 employment |
193 |
2030 employment |
196 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
0.2% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
24 |
* You're seeing information for "Agricultural and Food Science Technicians" because it includes "Agricultural Technicians" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Associate's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
Moderate-term on-the-job training
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* You're seeing information for "Agricultural and Food Science Technicians" because it includes "Agricultural Technicians" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Important
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- Level of activity is High
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Medium Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(6.0 to < 7.0) - A typical worker will require
over 1 year up to and including 2 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 17% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 33% |
Bachelor's degree | | 29% |
Associate's degree | | 18% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 2% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Licensing
Vermont may require an occupational license: |
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Select a license for details |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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- Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Record research or operational data.
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- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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- Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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