Precision Agriculture Technicians


Also called : Crop Specialist, Independent Crop Consultant, Nutrient Management Specialist, Precision Agriculture Specialist (Precision Ag Specialist), Precision Farming Coordinator, Soil Fertility Specialist

What they do


Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

On the job, one would


  • Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).

  • Use geospatial technology to develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites for testing characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium content, pH, or micronutrients.

  • Demonstrate the applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, or computer mapping software.

  • Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.

  • Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data.

KNOWLEDGE


  • English Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Computers and Electronics
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Food Production
    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • Mathematics
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

SKILLS


  • 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.

  • Critical Thinking
    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Reading Comprehension
    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Speaking
    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Active Learning
    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

ABILITIES


  • Deductive Reasoning
    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning
    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Oral Comprehension
    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Written Comprehension
    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Near Vision
    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

  • Attention to Detail
    Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

  • Dependability
    Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

  • Integrity
    Job requires being honest and ethical.

  • Analytical Thinking
    Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

  • Initiative
    Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

  • Persistence
    Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

  • Cooperation
    Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

  • Independence
    Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

  • Achievement/Effort
    Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

  • Adaptability/Flexibility
    Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

TECHNOLOGY

  • Analytical or scientific software

  • Data base user interface and query software

  • Geographic information system

  • Internet browser software

  • Map creation software

  • Office suite software

  • Presentation software

  • Spreadsheet software

  • Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

  • Preparation

    Considerable Preparation Needed

  • Education

    Four-year bachelor degree

  • Experience

    A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupation

  • Jobtraining

    Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

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