O*NET-SOC 19-4012.00

Agricultural Technicians

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.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 3 – Medium preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresPrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.3808/2024
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.2508/2024
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.2508/2024
Active Learning2.A.2.b3.1208/2024
Judgment and Decision Making2.B.4.e3.1208/2024
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.1208/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.13.7508/2024
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.33.7508/2024
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.33.7508/2024
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.6208/2024
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.23.508/2024
Deductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.43.3808/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.Core5608/2024
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.Core5608/2024
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.Core5608/2024
Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.Core5608/2024
Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.Core5508/2024

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Realistic6.2811/2023
Investigative4.9611/2023
Conventional4.6411/2023
Enterprising1.811/2023
Social1.5611/2023
Artistic1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 3

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.