Precision Agriculture Technicians
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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Crop Specialist, Independent Crop Consultant, Nutrient Management Specialist, Precision Agriculture Specialist (Precision Ag Specialist), Precision Farming Coordinator, Soil Fertility Specialist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability.
- Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans.
- Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings.
- Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).
- Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:AGCO GTA Software Suite,Farm Works Site Pro,MapShots EASi Suite,SST Development Group SSToolbox
- Data base user interface and query software:Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced,John Deere Apex Farm Management,Microsoft Access,Novariant AutoFarm AF Viewer
- Geographic information system:ESRI ArcGIS software,ESRI ArcPad,ESRI ArcView
- Internet browser software:Web browser software
- Map creation software:GeoAgro GIS,Trimble AgGPS EZ-Map,Trimble AgGPS MultiPlane
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Analyzing Data or Information:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Detailed Work Activities
- Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
- Analyze environmental data.
- Analyze geological or geographical data.
- Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
- Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:89% responded"Every day"
- Telephone:81% responded"Every day"
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results:56% responded"Important results"
- Level of Competition:56% responded"Moderately competitive"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:52% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
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.
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.
- Customer and Personal Service:Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 59%Bachelor's Degree
- 11%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
- 11%Master's Degree
- 7%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Worker Characteristics
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).
Interests
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Work Styles
- 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.
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