Agricultural Technician
ANZSCO Code: 311111 / Group C
An Agricultural Technician performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support to help Agricultural Scientists in research, production, servicing, and marketing.
Occupation Descriptions
An Agricultural Technician conducts tests and experiments and offers technical assistance to aid Agricultural Scientists in various areas such as research, production, servicing, and marketing.
Alternative Title:
- Agricultural Technical Officer
Occupations considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Agriculture Laboratory Technician
- Artificial Insemination Technical Officer
- Dairy Technician
- Field Crop Technical Officer
- Herd Tester
- Horticultural Technical Officer
- Poultry Technical Officer
Occupations not considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Agricultural Consultant
- Agricultural Scientist
- Science Technicians nec
These occupations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO or are not at the required skill level.
Agricultural Technician is a VETASSESS Group C occupation
To qualify for this occupation, individuals need a qualification equivalent to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher.
There are four ways applicants can meet the assessment criteria:
If they started working before completing the required qualification, they must have at least one year of highly relevant employment at the appropriate skill level within the last five years. The remaining three years of pre-qualification experience can be within the last ten years.
Indeed, a positive Skills Assessment outcome necessitates a favorable assessment of both the qualification level and the duration of employment.
Additional qualifications in a highly relevant field of study include those comparable to the following levels:
- AQF Diploma
- AQF Advanced Diploma
- AQF Associate Degree or AQF Graduate Diploma
Highly relevant paid employment duration (20 hours or more per week)
Applicants need to have a minimum of four years of relevant employment completed at an appropriate skill level in the five years before applying for a Skills Assessment.
This includes:
- At least one year of highly relevant employment within the last five years before applying.
- Plus, three years of relevant employment, which can be from any time, even outside the last five years.
Qualification and Employment Criteria
Qualification
A qualification equivalent to an AQF Diploma degree or higher is required. This encompasses qualifications assessed at AQF Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels.
Qualifications in specific science fields may be considered on a case-by-case basis if the program covers adequate subjects in Agricultural systems, Agronomy, Animal Science, Chemistry, Grazing systems, Plant cultivation, and core subjects in their respective specialized fields. Major projects, theses, and/or internships are significant factors for assessment.
Relevant fields of study may include:
- Horticulture
- Biotechnology
- Veterinary Science
- Biochemistry
- Life Science (Biology)
- Botany/Zoology
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Highly relevant fields of study include:
- Agricultural Science
- Biotechnology
- Veterinary Science
- Biochemistry
- Life Science (Biology)
- Botany/Zoology
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
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Employment
Highly relevant tasks include, but are not limited to:
- 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, fertilizing, harvesting, and processing crops to achieve optimum land usage.
- Identifying pathogenic microorganisms, insects, parasites, fungi, and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assisting in devising methods of control.
- Analyzing 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 purposes.
- Planning, slaughtering, harvesting, and other aspects of production processes.
- Providing advice to producers on farming techniques and management.
If employment begins before completing the required qualification, the applicant must have at least one year of highly relevant employment at the appropriate skill level within the last five years.
The remaining three years of pre-qualification experience may be within the last ten years.
Employment information
Agricultural Technicians have roles in both research and commercial sectors, spanning agriculture, horticulture, and livestock production and services.
They have opportunities for on-the-job learning and contribute technical expertise in modern agricultural practices, environmental management, intensive horticulture practices, and advanced livestock production, including breeding and artificial insemination.
Typically, Agricultural Technicians support and assist Agricultural Scientists or equivalent experts.
Artificial Insemination Officer
The main responsibility of an artificial insemination technician is to inseminate livestock, aiming for successful impregnation, but they often have additional related duties.
Technicians closely monitor the heat cycles of female animals to determine the best time for insemination, based on the animal’s ovulation cycle and behavior.
They handle and thaw frozen semen straws stored in liquid nitrogen with care.
Insemination must be done quickly and accurately to maximize the chances of pregnancy with a single service.
Supporting material for assessment
When applying for a Skills Assessment, it’s essential to provide ample evidence to support your proof of identity, qualifications, and employment claims. You can find a comprehensive list of required documents on the VETASSESS website under Eligibility Criteria.
How to apply
If you’re a professional choosing to migrate to Australia, chances are you’re likely to be assessed by us. We assess 360 different professional occupations, assessing your skills, experience and qualifications.
1. Find
Find the VETASSESS occupation that best matches your abilities and experience.
2. Match
Match your skills and experience to your chosen occupation.
3. Prepare
Get ready to apply by preparing all the information and documents you need.
4. Apply
Apply online when you’re ready. If you’re still unsure, skills assessment support is available when you need it.