Precision Agriculture Technicians

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 29,830 - 80,370; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Precision Agriculture Technician to apply GIS and GPS technologies for agricultural production in the United States. The role involves analyzing data to develop yield maps, maintaining relevant technologies, and demonstrating the applications of geospatial technologies. Candidates should be skilled in critical thinking and have experience with tools like ESRI ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel. A good job outlook predicts growth in this field, with competitive salary ranges.

Qualifications

• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and GPS technologies.
• Ability to analyze agricultural data and develop yield maps.
• Familiarity with remote sensing imagery and its application in agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps.
• Install, calibrate, or maintain GPS-based vehicle guidance systems.
• Demonstrate applications of geospatial technology in agriculture.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Active Listening

Reading Comprehension

Speaking

Active Learning

Judgment and Decision Making

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ESRI ArcGIS software

John Deere Apex Farm Management

Job description

What is a Precision Agriculture Technician?

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site‑specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable‑rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

Job Responsibilities

• Analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps.
• Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps.
• Demonstrate the applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable‑rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, or computer mapping software.
• Contact equipment manufacturers for technical assistance, as needed.
• Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS‑based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings.
• Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance, and weather history.

Key Skills

• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• 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.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• 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.

Types of Precision Agriculture Technician

• Physical Scientist
• Crop Specialist
• Agronomy Specialist
• GPS Field Data Collector (Global Positioning System Field Data Collector)
• Precision Agriculture Specialist

Tools Used

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Web browser software
• Microsoft Access
• ESRI ArcView
• ESRI ArcGIS software
• ESRI ArcPad
• MapShots EASi Suite
• SST Development Group SSToolbox
• John Deere Apex Farm Management
• Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
• Trimble AgGPS EZ‑Map

Job Outlook

There were about 76,100 jobs for Precision Agriculture Technicians in 2016 in the United States. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.7%, which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,400 new jobs for Precision Agriculture Technicians by 2026, resulting in an average of 9,900 job openings annually.

Salary Range

The salary for Precision Agriculture Technicians ranges between about $29,830 and $80,370 a year.