Agribusiness Technician Job Description, Career as a Agribusiness Technician, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Associate degree

Median Salary: $43,000 annually

Job Prospects: Good

Job Description

Agribusiness technicians work in a support role to scientists or managers conducting experiments and performing research. Much of this work is done within agriculture or food science. Agribusiness technicians work to support staff in whatever responsibilities are required.

An agribusiness technician sets up required experiments, and plays an active part in performing the necessary research or findings. They work on food experiments, or perform animal research. They work on development, conduct research, and perform testing with animals and food, within processing and production. They work in conjunction with agricultural scientists to set up experiments and help assess findings.

They usually work in a laboratory and are focused on research and experiment set up. They perform other responsibilities the agricultural scientist or other staff members deem appropriate. Since this is an entry-level position, they assess inventory levels of items used in the lab, order supplies, sterilize equipment, and eclean up after experiments. Although they work in the support role on the actual experiments and research, they also handle the actual set up and clean up of the laboratory itself.

An agribusiness technician is usually an excellent learning opportunity. Although an individual can stay in this position for their career, it is usually used as a springboard to further career development. Therefore, agribusiness technicians get involved in all aspects of experiments and research to expand their knowledge. They handle some of the administrative or entry-level responsibilities, which are all part of the learning experience.

Training/Educational Requirements

Agribusiness technicians must hold a minimum of an associate degree. It is preferred the degree be held within an agricultural type of study, but is not required. Many agribusiness technicians pursue a higher degree while working in this role, using it as a stepping stone to other positions within this field. To be successful as an agribusiness technician it is recommended to have some coursework within the field to understand basic and fundamental concepts.

Agribusiness technicians receive much of their training on the job. They work in a support role where they can learn from those who have actual experience. Therefore, they can learn the most by following in the steps and advice laid out by these professionals. By conducting research and performing experiments, this serves as the best training for agribusiness technicians—particularly if they wish to move into a higher position within an organization or within the field.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired into a position as an agribusiness technician is to have an associate degree in this field. Having the coursework and fundamental understanding of certain concepts and subject matters help in getting hired. If getting hired into this role at a university, it is helpful to have a relationship with the professor or have a degree from that institution. The career advancement for agribusiness technicians at a university is usually tied to a particular professor. Therefore, the relationship itself is a key indicator in getting hired.

If working in a different type of environment, experience in any capacity or related environment helps an agribusiness technician to get hired. In an entry-level capacity, an educational background and lab work experience is the best way to get hired. If working in the field as an agribusiness technician for awhile, then experience in research or conducting experiments is the best way to get hired.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Since this is an entry-level position in nature, there are a fair amount of job openings. Science laboratories, universities, or companies may hire agribusiness technicians because they support the scientists on staff. This position is always in demand, particularly because many agribusiness technicians move onto supervisory roles or higher positions. This results in job openings for those interested in the field, as well as excellent opportunities for growth.

Agribusiness technicians receive excellent opportunities to grow into more responsible roles. If they wish to stay in this role, they can gain additional responsibilities and turn into a supervisors. They can also expect to grow into a scientist or manager, particularly if they are seeking a higher degree.

Working Environment

The typical working environment for an agribusiness technician is a laboratory, since most research and experiments are run in a lab. This lab is sometimes shared with other technicians and scientists, or can be more exclusive. Although agribusiness technicians typically work regular hours, they are required to work unusual hours if the experiments dictate it. Even though lab work is not fast-paced, there is stress involved as the technicians and scientists get closer to the findings. This is a typical scientific based work environment with plenty of on-the-job experiences.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for an agribusiness technician is about $43,000 per year. The salary varies based on the size and focus of the employer, as well as the geographical location. Experience also factors into the salary range, allowing for great variances. Most agribusiness technicians receive standard benefits including paid sick days and vacation, as well as medical coverage.