BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPrecision Agriculture Technicians

O*NET · 19-4012.01

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.

Also called Agriculture Specialist · Agriculture Tech · Agriculture Technician (Agriculture Tech) · Agrintelligence Specialist · Agrintelligence Specialist (Agriculture Intelligence Specialist) · Agronomist · Agronomy Consultant · Agronomy Specialist
21 more

Certified Crop Specialist · Crop Consultant · Crop Specialist · Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist · Field Agronomist · Field Sales Agronomist · GPS Field Data Collector · GPS Field Data Collector (Global Positioning System Field Data Collector) · Migration Specialist · Precision Ag Analyst · Precision Ag Specialist · Precision Ag Tech · Precision Agriculture Analyst (Precision Ag Analyst) · Precision Agriculture Specialist (Precision Ag Specialist) · Precision Agriculture Technician (Precision Ag Tech) · Precision Agronomist · Precision Farming Coordinator · Precision Farming Specialist · Precision Tech Agronomist · Precision Technology Agronomist (Precision Tech Agronomist) · Technical Agronomist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Energy Auditors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.46
  • I Investigative5.40
  • C Conventional4.95
  • E Enterprising2.11
  • S Social1.39
  • A Artistic1.23

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent9%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate17%
  • Some College Courses4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree30%
  • Bachelor's Degree35%
  • Master's Degree4%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Mathematicsbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Systems Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
Show the other 23
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Operation and Control2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Monitoring2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Operations Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Sciencebasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Service Orientation2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Persuasion2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Social Perceptiveness2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Instructing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Quality Control Analysis2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Negotiation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Troubleshooting2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Maintenance2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Programming2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment Selection2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Installation1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.60.8

Tasks

22 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.4.3
  2. Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).4.2
  3. 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.4.2
  4. Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings.4.1
  5. Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials.4.1
  6. Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history.4.1
  7. Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans.4.0
  8. Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data.4.0
  9. Analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps.4.0
  10. Analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, or weather conditions.4.0
  11. Apply precision agriculture information to specifically reduce the negative environmental impacts of farming practices.3.9
  12. 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.3.8
Show the other 10
  1. Recommend best crop varieties or seeding rates for specific field areas, based on analysis of geospatial data.3.7
  2. Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps.3.7
  3. Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability.3.6
  4. Provide advice on the development or application of better boom-spray technology to limit the overapplication of chemicals and to reduce the migration of chemicals beyond the fields being treated.3.6
  5. Prepare reports in graphical or tabular form, summarizing field productivity or profitability.3.6
  6. Participate in efforts to advance precision agriculture technology, such as developing advanced weed identification or automated spot spraying systems.3.4
  7. Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance, and weather history.3.3
  8. Contact equipment manufacturers for technical assistance, as needed.3.2
  9. Advise farmers on upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to take advantage of newly installed advanced satellite technology.3.2
  10. Identify areas in need of pesticide treatment by analyzing geospatial data to determine insect movement and damage patterns.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and Electronics4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Sales and Marketing3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Biology3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Engineering and Technology3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Food Production3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
Show all 33
  • Mechanical3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Geography3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Education and Training3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Chemistry3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Production and Processing3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative2.73.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Design2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Physics2.72.8
  • Telecommunications2.72.7
  • Transportation2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Economics and Accounting2.62.7
  • Public Safety and Security2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and Media2.52.6
  • Law and Government2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Building and Construction2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Psychology2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • History and Archeology1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Therapy and Counseling1.41.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Near Vision3.83.8
  • Information Ordering3.63.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category Flexibility3.13.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Clarity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.6
  • Number Facility3.03.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Time Sharing2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.8
  • Reaction Time2.51.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Spatial Orientation2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Trunk Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Response Orientation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Dynamic Strength1.80.9
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.8
  • Night Vision1.60.8
  • Sound Localization1.60.6
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
Show all 41
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Processing Information3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.84.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.0

Technology

23 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (4; 4 more marked hot above)

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (15)
  • Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
  • AGCO GTA Software Suite
  • ESRI ArcPad
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Farm Works Site Pro
  • GeoAgro GIS
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • John Deere Apex Farm Management
  • MapShots EASi Suite
  • Novariant AutoFarm AF Viewer
  • SST Development Group SSToolbox
  • Trimble AgGPS EZ-Map
  • Trimble AgGPS MultiPlane
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Soil and Plant Scientists
  2. Agricultural Engineers
  3. Agricultural Technicians
  4. Conservation Scientists
  5. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
  6. Industrial Ecologists
  7. Forest and Conservation Technicians
  8. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
  9. Range Managers
  10. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.