Sample of reported job titles: Agricultural Research Technician, Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist, Research Technician, Seed Analyst, Senior Agricultural Assistant.

Daily/Routine Tasks

1. Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care. 
2. Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing. 
3. Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results. 
4. Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing. 
5. Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively. 
6. Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems. 
7. Collect animal or crop samples. 
8. Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.  
9. Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers. 
10. Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public. 
11. Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops. 
12. Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.  
13. Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.  
14. Conduct insect or plant disease surveys. 
15. Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness. 
16. Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.

Key Knowledge Areas

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 
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. 
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. 
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. 
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. 
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. [
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Skills needed

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. 
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. 
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. 
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. 
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. 
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something. 
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. 
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. 
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.