Agricultural Technicians

Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)

Agricultural Research Technologist

Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)

Agriculture Assistant

Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech)

Field Assistant

Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech)

Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician)

Seed Analyst

What is an Agricultural Technician?

Agricultural Technicians are professionals who assist agricultural scientists in the lab and field work related to the cultivation of crops, animal care, and the management of agricultural resources. They play a crucial role in the agricultural industry by conducting experiments, collecting data, and performing tests to ensure crop quality and animal health. Typically, they work under the supervision of agronomists, veterinarians, or agricultural engineers to implement research findings and innovative agricultural techniques, often focusing on sustainable practices. Their responsibilities can include preparing soil for planting, monitoring crop growth, managing pest control measures, and analyzing soil and water samples to determine optimal conditions for agricultural production. Agricultural Technicians are vital in advancing agricultural science and technology to increase food production and ensure the effective management of natural resources.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$30750.0 - $65470.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

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.
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.

Technology Skills

Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
Geographic information system
- ArcGIS Pro
Mobile location based services software
- Google Maps

Tools Used

Animal husbandry equipment
Sprayers
- Chemical sprayers
- Crop sprayers
Haymaking machinery
- Balers
- Rakes
Cultivators
- Chisel cultivators
- Sweep cultivator shovels
Incubators or brooders for poultry
- Egg incubators
- Egg setters or hatchers

Knowledge

Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

5 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R23,146pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be an Agricultural Technician in South Africa

South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy, and the demand for skilled Agricultural Technicians is reflected in the current market. With 6 active jobs currently available and an average monthly salary of R23,146pm, the profession offers both stability and growth. Notably, salary trends for 2024 show a consistent upward trajectory, moving from R20,368 in January to an estimated R25,460 by December, signalling a healthy demand for technical expertise in the field.

Is a Career as an Agricultural Technician Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, it is essential to assess whether your natural inclinations align with the rigours of the industry. Consider the following traits:

Analytical Mindset: Do you enjoy collecting data, observing patterns, and solving complex biological or mechanical problems?
Physical Resilience: Are you prepared to work outdoors in various South African weather conditions, from the heat of the Limpopo bushveld to the winter rains of the Western Cape?
Technical Aptitude: Do you have a "knack" for operating machinery, calibrating sensors, or working with laboratory equipment?
Environmental Consciousness: Are you passionate about sustainable farming practices and the future of food security in South Africa?
Attention to Detail: Can you maintain precise records and follow strict biosecurity or safety protocols without cutting corners?
Adaptability: Can you pivot quickly when faced with unpredictable factors like pests, climate shifts, or equipment failure?

A Day in the Life of a South African Agricultural Technician

In the South African context, the role of an Agricultural Technician is dynamic and vital. Your day might begin at sunrise, conducting field inspections on a maize farm in the Free State or a citrus estate in Mpumalanga. You will spend your morning collecting soil samples, monitoring irrigation systems for water efficiency, or checking crop health for signs of pests and disease.

By midday, the environment often shifts from the field to the laboratory or office. Here, you will analyse samples, process data using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and prepare reports for farm managers or agricultural scientists. You act as the essential bridge between raw agricultural data and practical farm management, ensuring that South African produce meets both local quality standards and international export requirements.

Education & Upskilling

To enter this profession, a solid educational foundation is non-negotiable. Most South African employers look for a National Diploma or a Degree in Agriculture, typically obtained from a University of Technology or a traditional University such as Pretoria, Stellenbosch, or UKZN. Vocational training through TVET colleges (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) also provides excellent pathways into the industry.

However, a formal qualification is merely the starting point. The rise of "AgriTech" means that continuous learning is the key to career longevity. To remain competitive and move toward the higher salary brackets (exceeding R25,000 per month), you should consider specialised short courses in:

Drone piloting and aerial crop surveillance.
Precision farming software and data analytics.
Sustainable water management and hydroponic systems.
Advanced livestock genetics or soil microbiology.

Staying abreast of the latest South African agricultural legislation and global sustainability trends will ensure your skills remain in high demand.

Next Steps

Choosing to become an Agricultural Technician is a commitment to powering South Africa’s "green gold." If you possess the right blend of scientific curiosity and practical grit, this could be the perfect vocation for you. Don't leave your career progression to chance—take the proactive step to validate your path. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive professional assessment and discover if you are truly prepared to thrive in this essential industry.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

High school diploma or equivalent

41 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Bachelor's degree

18 %
Associate's degree

13 %

Work Activities

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities

Cultivate land.
Operate farming equipment.
Record research or operational data.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.