O*NET-SOC 19-4012.00 · US REFERENCE
Agricultural Technicians
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Skill importance below is an O*NET US occupational rating, not a global or individual benchmark. No score here is a job-loss probability or a prediction.
Examples of work in this occupation
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
O*NET task statements describe US work; do not perform regulated or hazardous tasks without appropriate training and authorization.
Skills to examine first
Reading Comprehension
US occupation importance: 3.38/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Summarise a public, role-relevant document in five points; verify each point against the source.
Active Listening
US occupation importance: 3.25/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Ask a peer to explain a fictional work problem; paraphrase it and check what you missed.
Critical Thinking
US occupation importance: 3.25/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Compare two approaches to a fictional task and document one counterargument for each.
Writing
US occupation importance: 3.12/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Draft a one-page explanation of a fictional decision for a non-specialist; ask for clarity feedback.
Active Learning
US occupation importance: 3.12/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Try one new method on a safe example and record what worked, failed and should change.
Monitoring
US occupation importance: 3.12/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Define three observable quality checks for a fictional workflow and review the outcome.
These prompts are RolePaths practice suggestions, not O*NET instructions, training or certification.
Related work to compare
O*NET marks these occupations as related. That is a comparison starting point, not a guaranteed career transition. Check local licensing and entry requirements.
Your next seven days
- Choose one skill above and a fictional or non-confidential work example.
- Practise for 20 minutes on three days; keep one small output.
- Ask a qualified peer for feedback against clear criteria.
- Reassess the same career and record what changed.
Source and limits
Occupation definition, task examples, skill importance and related-occupation links come from the US O*NET 31.0 Database. RolePaths selected the top six skills by importance and authored the practice prompts. Career fit, local salaries, automation timing and licensing have not been verified.