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Agricultural Technician

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AVG. SALARY

$39,780

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EDUCATION

Associate's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Agricultural Technicians Career Video

Insider Info

Fish and wildlife technicians are an important part of natural resource management teams. They use their knowledge of biology to monitor, maintain and study fish and animals and their habitats.

This career is often divided into two categories: fisheries technician and wildlife technician. While the divisions may be obvious, the duties performed by people in these two categories are very similar.

People in this field may be responsible for observing, feeding, counting and trapping fish or wildlife. They may also be involved in re-stocking populations in a particular area. They may be involved in projects to test or improve natural habitats or resources.

Writing reports and using special computer programs to assist in research are also part of the job.

Technicians work closely with biologists in fish hatcheries, consulting firms, government agencies, game farms and conservation agencies. People in this career often work both indoors and out. Fieldwork and irregular hours are common.

"I've been in the field for a month at a time," says wildlife technician Ellen Swansen. "A lot of that time was spent tenting, so you have to be in good shape and like the outdoors."

Fieldwork may mean anything from wading though marshland to hiking across mountainous trails. In other words, this is not a job for indoor types.

Most fish and wildlife technicians don't get to spend all their time doing exciting work in the great outdoors. This job involves a fair amount of repetitive, indoor data analysis and report writing. "You have to have an eye for detail and patience for repetitive tasks. A tolerance for statistical analysis wouldn't hurt either," says George Jacobs, a fisheries technician from Oregon.

Many entry-level technician jobs are seasonal. This means newcomers to this field can often expect winter layoffs. Tenured positions are more secure. They almost always are year-round.

If you're concerned about the natural environment and don't mind getting rained on occasionally, a career as a fish and wildlife technician may be just what you've been looking for.

"You have to be the kind of person who likes science and math and doesn't mind repetitive tasks," says Kentucky fish and wildlife technician Christian Pitman.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Conduct tests and studies to help manage the ecosystem

  • You'll be required to do fieldwork for long periods at a time
  • Math, biology, forestry and English will provide a good academic foundation
  • This is not a job for indoor types

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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