Agricultural Technician - ANZSCO 311111

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Description
Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Skill Level 2

Alternative Titles
Agricultural Technical Officer

Specialisations
Agriculture Laboratory Technician
Artificial Insemination Technical Officer
Dairy Technician
Field Crop Technical Officer
Herd Tester
Horticultural Technical Officer

Skills Assessment Authority VETASSESS - Caveats Group C | VETASSESS-FAQ |  Your Career | My Future | Courses

Caveats Caveat 10

Endorsed Correlations to ASCO Occupations
3112-17 Agricultural Technical Officer

Group: 3111 Agricultural Technicians

Description
perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Skill Level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks
examining topographical, physical and soil characteristics of farmland to determine its most effective use and identify nutrient deficiencies
assisting in developing new methods of planting, fertilising, harvesting and processing crops to achieve optimum land usage
identifying pathogenic micro-organisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assisting in devising methods of control
analysing produce to set and maintain standards of quality
inspecting livestock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae
assisting in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved crop and livestock strains
arranging the supply of drugs, vaccines and other chemicals to Farmers and Farm Managers, and giving advice on their use
collecting and collating data for research
planning slaughtering, harvesting and other aspects of production processes
may advise producers on farming techniques and management

Requirements for Skills Assessment

This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

In addition to the above, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

• at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level,
• undertaken in the last five years,
• working 20 hours or more per week, and
• highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

If the qualification is not in a highly relevant field, then the applicant must have:

• two years of post-qualification employment experience at an appropriate skill level,
• undertaken in the last five years,
• working 20 hours or more per week, and
• highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

This is reduced to one year if there is an additional qualification at least at AQF Certificate IV level in a highly relevant field.

If employment has occurred before completion of qualification, then three years of highly relevant employment experience are required in addition to at least one year of highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the last five years.

Please note in order to achieve a successful Skills Assessment Outcome, a positive assessment for both qualifications and employment is required.

*If employment is prior to the completion of the qualification at the required level, an applicant must have at least one year of highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level within the last five years. The remaining three years of pre-qualifying period maybe within the last ten years. A positive assessment of both qualification level and employment duration is required for a positive Skills Assessment outcome.

Qualification

AQF Diploma degree or higher qualification. This includes qualifications assessed at AQF Advance Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level.
Highly relevant fields of study include:

» Agricultural Science
» Animal Science & Management
» Crop Science/Agronomy
» Viticulture
» Plant and Animal Production

Qualifications in certain science fields may be accepted on a case-by-case basis if the program consists of sufficient subjects in Agricultural systems, Agronomy, Animal Science, Chemistry, Grazing systems, Plant cultivation and core subjects in their respective specialised fields. Major projects, Thesis and/or internships are important determining factors.
» Horticulture
» Biotechnology
» Veterinary Science
» Biochemistry
» Life Science (Biology)
» Botany/Zoology
» Soil Science
» Environmental Science

Employment Information

Agricultural Technicians can work in research as well as commercial agriculture, horticulture and livestock production and servicing areas. There are opportunities for Agricultural Technicians to learn on the job and contribute through technical expertise including modern agricultural practices, environmental management, intensive horticulture practices and advanced livestock production including breeding and artificial insemination. Generally, Agricultural Technicians work in support of and assist Agricultural Scientists or equivalent experts.