HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Elena Pletea
Francesco Bruzzo
Gianluca Tonidandel
Jacopo Basso
Rowena Baah Annan
GREEN ECONOMY
AGRICULTURAL AND SCIENCE TECHNICIANS JOB DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The art and science of crop and livestock production. In its broadest sense, agriculture comprises the entire
range of technologies associated with the production of useful products from plants and animals, including
soil cultivation, crop and livestock management, and the activities of processing and marketing. The term
agribusiness has been coined to include all the technologies that mesh in the total inputs and outputs of the
farming sector. In this light, agriculture encompasses the whole range of economic activities involved in
manufacturing and distributing the industrial inputs used in farming; the farm production of crops, animals,
and animal products; the processing of these materials into finished products; and the provision of products
at a time and place demanded by consumers.
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. This paper will provide a description of the various points of interest, future projections,
opportunities for advancement, and related occupations as well as the nature of the work, job
outlook, earnings, training and qualifications .
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.
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.
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.
1. 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.
What Biological Technicians do :
 Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
 Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
 Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
 Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial
applications to perform work duties.
 Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
 Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as
agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
 Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory
analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or
other products.
 Participate
in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical
preparations.
2. 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.
What Chemical Technicians do :










Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs,
committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or
quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or
create experimental formulas.
Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as
chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw
materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
3. Environmental science and protection technicians perform laboratory and field tests to
monitor environmental resources and determine the contaminants and sources of
pollution in the environment. They may collect samples for testing or be involved in abating
and controlling sources of environmental pollution. Some are responsible for waste
management operations, control and management of hazardous materials inventory, or
general activities involving regulatory compliance. Many environmental science technician
employed at private consulting firms work directly under the supervision of an
environmental scientist.
What Environmental Science and Protection Technicians do :


Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct
tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
 Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke
stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
 Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.





Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure
information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives,
employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or
workplace safety.
Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial
processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
Conduct standardized tests to ensure materials or supplies used throughout power supply
systems meet processing and safety specifications.
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.
Career 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.
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