Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Agricultural Technician
What agricultural technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Load plot equipment and drive to the research farm. From there, the day usually includes plant and maintain research plots, collect soil, plant and water samples, and measure growth, yield and quality. Most work full-time, with long days at planting and harvest and more lab work in winter.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an agricultural technician working full time.
- Load plot equipment and drive to the research farm.
- Take plant height and growth stage notes.
- Pull soil cores for nutrient testing.
- Scout plots for disease and record ratings.
- Grind and weigh plant samples in the lab.
- Enter field data into the trial database.
- Clean and calibrate the plot sprayer.
Where agricultural technicians work
Technicians split time between fields, greenhouses and labs, working outdoors in heat and weather during the season.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with long days at planting and harvest and more lab work in winter.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Plant and maintain research plots
- Collect soil, plant and water samples
- Measure growth, yield and quality
- Run lab tests and prepare samples
- Operate plot planters and harvesters
- Record and enter research data
- Maintain lab and field equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Plot planters and combines
- Soil probes
- Balances and grinders
- GPS units
- Field data tablets
- Spreadsheets and trial software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Mix of field and lab work
- Contribute to food and farm research
- Associate degree path
- Steady employers like universities and seed companies
What’s hard
- Heat and weather in the field
- Repetitive measurements
- Seasonal crunch times
- Some roles are grant-funded
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like science and farming
- I enjoy both field and lab work
- I’m careful with measurements
- I don’t mind heat and dirt
- I want a two-year degree path
- I like contributing to research
Not sure? Take the free Agricultural Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow pesticide label and REI rules
- Use PPE in the lab and field
- Prevent heat illness with water and shade
- Operate plot equipment safely