Career Facts - Precision Agriculture Technician
What does a precision agriculture technician do?
A precision agriculture technician is involved in applying the latest
technologies such as geographic information systems and global
positioning systems to the agricultural production and business
management of today's agribusiness. The technician will be
involved with pest scouting, pesticide application, custom application,
computer mapping and remote sensing as well as computer analysis of
soils, fertilizers, pests and weather related activity.
What types of skills are required?
Precision agriculture technicians need to understand basic plant
functions and growth as well as be able to identify insects, diseases,
micro-organisms and their control. Integrated pest
management and monitoring, plant identification of agronomic crops and
weeds, computer technology, global positioning systems, yield monitors,
weather satellites and geographic information systems are also becoming
increasingly important in the agriculture industry. Knowledge of
this technology and how it applies to business management is critical.
Related areas include crop biotechnology and food systems.
Where are they employed?
Precision agriculture technicians are employed by agricultural
cooperatives, agribusiness consultants, farm chemical firms and vendors,
farm associations and industries related to agriculture.
What do they earn?
The average starting salary for precision agriculture technicians is
between $18,000 and $70,000 per year depending on the technician's
employer and his/her level of experience, proper certification and
licenses.
What degrees are available?
An associate in applied science degree is available in Precision
Agriculture and Sustainable Development as well as a Certificate of
Achievement.
Career Pathway
Agriculture Technology is part of the Engineering/Manufacturing and
Industrial Career Pathway of the Michigan Career Preparation System.
