About This Career

Works with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assists with animal breeding and nutrition. Sets up or maintains laboratory equipment and collects samples from crops or animals. Prepares specimens or records data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conducts tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Food Products and Processing Systems pathway.

A person in this career:

• Records data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
• Measures or weighs ingredients used in laboratory testing.
• Prepares data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
• Sets up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
• Prepares laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
• Examines animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
• Collects animal or crop samples.
• Supervises pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
• Supervises or trains agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
• Responds to general inquiries or requests from the public.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel