Online Degrees

Agricultural Careers

The average value of the Associate degree needed to become a Agricultural and food science technicians is $825,082.00.

Science Technicians work with a vast assortment of scientists in a variety of fields, assisting in everything from research and development to inventing products and processes. Their jobs are considered more practical than that of the average scientist because of the diverse number jobs available within the field. Within each specialty, Science Technicians use principles of math and science to operate lab and production equipment and assist scientists in their research and findings.

Of the various disciplines available for Science Technicians, the field of Agriculture and Food Science is a growing field that mixes studies in agriculture and the science of food, allowing technicians to assist in everything from animal research and breeding, to food, fiber and production. This exciting career path boasts annual wages between $22,100 and $55,190, as well as a variety of jobs available in many industries within the field. Agricultural and Food Science Technicians have the ability to choose from a number of disciplines within the field including production, quality control, and the packaging of foods. Many work for educational institutions or food manufacturing companies. Job prospects are best for those with associate’s degrees or certification in applied sciences or science related technology.

Those who are considering pursuing a career as an Agricultural and Food Science Technician should consider all aspects of the job. The nature of the work, job outlook, earnings, as well as training and qualifications will help those considering this line of work to better understand the field. We will also explore various points of interest, future projections, opportunities for advancement, and related occupations to discover if a career as an Agricultural and Food Science Technician is the right path for you.

Points of Interest

In 2008, 270,800 jobs were available to Science Technicians. Growth in the field varies by each specialty, but in 2008, 21,900 jobs were held by Agricultural and Food Science Technicians. This number is expected to rise by 2018. There is a high concentration of employment in many states, including metropolitan areas however, most Ag and Food Science Techs work outdoors in remote locations. The role of technicians continues to expand as the instruments and procedures become more complex.

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians work under agricultural scientists and operate sophisticated lab equipment. Hands on experience is necessary as well as on-the-job training. Oral and written communication is prized by employers, as many techs must report findings and experimental conclusions. Most Ag and Food Science Techs come from a background heavily steeped in science and math during their high school years, and later lab oriented sciences during their college careers. Some technical schools and community colleges offer programs related to agricultural science and food technology, while others offer a broader, general education that focuses heavily on science and math. Agricultural and Food Science Technicians have the ability to come from diverse educational backgrounds to enter the field. Those with a high school diploma can still enter the field, but will require more extensive on-the-job training under an experienced technician. However, job prospects are better for those graduated from a technological program with experience in applied sciences. Proper training for laboratory equipment and production facilities is crucial in this field.

Nature of Work

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians work under the supervision of agricultural scientists conducting research and development, as well as testing on food and other agricultural products. They can work in food, animal research, processing, fiber, production, animal breeding, and nutrition. Some perform experiments that improve the size, quality, and yield of crops. Others will work to increase animal and plant immunity to diseases, pests, and other potential hazards. There are those who work with animals, studying breeding and investigating animal nutrition, while others assist food scientists and technologists in research, development, production technology, and quality control, as well as processing and packaging of foods.

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians have a direct impact on the foods that we eat, conducting tests on food additives and preservatives. They make sure that the additives and preservatives in our foods are in compliance with FDA guidelines for color, texture, and nutrients. Techs will analyze and gather test results, order supplies and maintain inventory in labs, and clean and sterilize lab equipment. Although some work in labs, because the nature of the work is based around plants and animals, many work outdoors in remote areas.

Day to day duties include setting up and maintaining lab equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations, calculating and recording results, providing a detailed log of work, and developing conclusions. Those working in production will monitor manufacturing processes and make sure that the products they are producing meet standards for quality. They also make sure that the proper proportions of ingredients are going into products.

As technology advances and instruments and procedures develop, the role of technicians has become more complex. More advanced techs develop and adapt laboratory procedures under the supervision of scientists. Others interpret data and solve problems. No matter the area of expertise it is very important for technicians to have an expert working knowledge of lab equipment, understanding when equipment is malfunctioning.

Training and Qualifications

Those in high school wishing to pursue a career as an Agricultural and Food Science Technician should make sure to take as many math and science classes as possible. Those obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree need many lab-oriented science classes. In many cases an associate’s degree or certification in applied science or science related technology is required to pursue a career as an Agricultural and Food Science Technician. Those without postsecondary education will begin training under a more experience technician. Training is more extensive for those without an associate’s degree or certification. Employers will favor those with college level experience.

Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs conducive to Ag and Food Science Techs. Technical schools will offer technician training however, they are less rooted in the theory and general education that community colleges offer. Programs for obtaining an associate’s degree offer easy transfers for those wanting to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Those with bachelor’s degrees have further opportunities for advancement.

Certificate programs take approximately 1 year to complete, while those obtaining an associate’s degree will generally take about 2 years. It is important to make sure that the program of study offers all courses required to pursue a career in the field of Agricultural and Food Science. Most will focus heavily on math and science. Other important skills that employers favor include communications, computer skills, organizational skills, analytical thinking, and interpretation of scientific results. Hands-on experience is very important due to the nature of the job and specialized lab equipment techs must use. Some programs offer internships that provide the hands-on experience that employers look for. On the job training is crucial to succeeding in this field.

Related Occupations

Science Technicians are not limited to working in Agricultural and Food Science. There are many job opportunities as a Science Technician in many related fields. Science technicians can work as Biological Technicians, Chemical Technicians, Environmental Science Protection Technicians, Forensic Science Technicians, Forest and Conservation Technicians, Geological and Petroleum Technicians, Nuclear Technicians, and many other fields.

Biological Technicians work under the supervision of biologists to study living organisms. They assist with medical research and work toward curing diseases like cancer and AIDS. Some develop and manufacture pharmaceuticals. They apply knowledge of gene splicing to study organic substances and infectious agents.

Chemical Technicians work under the direct supervision of chemists and chemical engineers. They develop and use chemicals and related products. Research Technicians work in labs conducting experiments, while Process Control Technicians work in manufacturing and industrial chemical plants testing the design, integrity, and environmental effects of packaging. Other monitor pollution levels and produce compounds through complex organic synthesis.

Environmental Science Protection Technicians help to keep our planet green by monitoring environmental resources, contaminants, and sources of pollution. Some will specialize in waste management and the clean-up of hazardous materials. They work in the lab or in the field conducting tests.

Forensic Science Technicians help to solve crimes by investigating and studying physical evidence. Some will specialize in DNA analysis or the analysis of firearms. Others study hair, fibers, glass, tissue, and bodily fluids to reach conclusions about crimes. Many will report their findings to investigators, making them crucial witnesses to solving crimes.

Forest and Conservation Technicians study the natural land and forests, working under conservation scientists. They compile data on the condition of our lands, measure timber, track wildlife, assist in road construction, locate property lines, and analyze data such as soil quality, insect damage, tree diseases, and fire hazards. They also plant trees and help to maintain recreational facilities.

Geological and Petroleum Technicians work on oil and gas exploration operations. They collect and analyze data from geological samples. They recognize petroleum content as well as mineral and element composition. Their presence is crucial to drilling operations.

Nuclear Technicians monitor radiation and assist nuclear engineers and physicists in their research. Many operate nuclear test and research equipment.

Other jobs available for Science Technicians include jobs assisting oceanographers, meteorologists, laser technicians, and radiographers. Related occupations include Broadcasting and Sound Engineering Technicians, Clinical Laboratory Technicians, Radio Operators, and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Employment

Employment for Agricultural and Food Science Technicians is available in many areas. Most jobs are held by those working in educational institutions or food manufacturing companies. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34% work in education and 25% work in manufacturing. Job opportunities increase as the field grows and as technicians retire and leave the work force.

Many industries offer job opportunities, including colleges and universities, the field of research and development, animal slaughtering and processing, state and local government, agricultural engineering, chemical and allied product merchant wholesalers, the management of companies and enterprises, animal food manufacturing, and grain and oilseed milling. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the industries boasting the most jobs include colleges and universities with 5,770 jobs, research and development with 2,180 jobs, slaughtering and processing with 1,410 jobs, state government with 1,220 jobs, and finally agricultural engineering and related services with 920 jobs.

Jobs are available in many states with the highest concentration of job in Iowa, Hawaii, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of employment include College Station and Bryan, Texas; Lafayette, Indiana; Ithaca, New York; Ames, Iowa; and also Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, Washington.

Job Outlook and Projections

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports average job in the coming years. Jobs in the field of Science Technicians are expected to grow by 12% from 2008-2018 with 9% growth for Agricultural and Food Science Technicians. Prospects remain the best for those graduated from applied science and technological programs, and with training on lab equipment in production facilities. Jobs will continue to grow as research in biotechnology and other areas of science increase. As years go by it becomes more and more important to balance increasing agricultural output with the protection of soil and water systems. Research continues to develop in using agricultural products as sources of energy and biofuels.

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians held 21,900 jobs in 2008. This is a competitive field, and as instruments and techniques for research become more complex, employers will look for highly developed technical skills. By 2018 23,800 jobs are expected for Ag and Food Science Techs, an addition of 1,900 jobs.

Wages and Earnings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for an Agricultural and Food Science Technician in 2008 was $34,410 and ranged between $22,100 and $55,190. The median hourly wage was $16.34. The top paying industry was chemical and allied product merchant wholesalers with and annual wage of $47,410, however there are industry. Other top earning industries included local government jobs at $44,490 a year, management of companies and enterprises at $43,830, animal food manufacturing at $41,800 and finally grain and oilseed milling at $41,720.

Location also played a major role in determining annual wages. Agricultural and Food Science Technicians earning the highest annual wages lived in New Jersey, earning $48, 340. Behind them was Massachusetts with an annual wage of $47,430, followed by Connecticut at $46, 940 a year. Indiana and Arizona came in at $43, 380 and $43,410. Metropolitan areas with the highest annual earnings were Indianapolis and Carmel, St. Louis, Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria.

Advancement

Advancement is possible for Agricultural and Food Science Technicians. The more training they receive, the more responsibilities they will incur. Some may advance to the supervisor level. Those that go on to earn a bachelor’s degree have the greatest chances for advancement. They can go on the become scientists after a few years experience within the field and earning a graduate degree. The most important thing to note in the field of Agricultural and Food Science Technicians is that training and equipment knowledge go hand in hand with advancement and employment opportunities. Completing further education, participating in an internship, and gaining on-the-job training will all greatly increase chances for employment and advancement.

Sources of Additional Information

To find additional information about becoming a Agricultural and Food Science Technician visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov. More information can be gathered at occupation.careers.org.