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

Skill Level

2

Alternative Titles

• Agricultural Technical Officer

Specialisations

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

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Agricultural Technician is Vocational Education and Training Assess (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• A qualification which is assessed as comparable to the educational level an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
• Highly relevant major fields of study for a bachelor degree include:
  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Science & Management
  • Crop Science
  • Viticulture
  • Plant and Animal Production
  • Precision Agriculture
• Applicants must also have at least one year of highly relevant, post-qualification employment, at an appropriate skill level completed in the last five years.

Did you know?

Qualifications in certain science fields* may be accepted on a case by case basis if the program consists of sufficient subjects in Agricultural systems, Agronomy, Animal science, Agricultural chemistry, Grazing systems, Plant cultivation, Primary production and other relevant subjects in the specialised field.

*Those fields of study which may be considered include: Horticulture, Biotechnology, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering, Botany / Zoology, Environmental Science, Irrigation / Soil Science, Forestry

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

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

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:
NZ Register 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.

Occupations in this Group

• 311111 Agricultural Technician