(Career Asssessments, Exploration & Counselling)
Career: Precision Agriculture Technicians
Job Description
Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production and management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, and variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop and analyze maps and remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests or weather.
Job Tasks
Importance %age |
Task Description |
100
|
Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns and field management history. |
100
|
Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information. |
100
|
Compile and analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, and weather conditions. |
100
|
Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones based on soil characteristics and production potentials. |
100
|
Develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites, using geospatial technology, for soil testing on characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, pH, and micronutrients. |
100
|
Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans. |
96
|
Collect information about soil and field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS). |
96
|
Demonstrate the uses and applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, and computer mapping software. |
96
|
Prepare reports summarizing field productivity and profitability in graphical or tabular form. |
93
|
Apply knowledge of government regulations when making agricultural recommendations. |
93
|
Contact equipment manufacturers for technical assistance, as needed. |
89
|
Draw and read maps such as soil, contour, and plat maps. |
89
|
Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance and weather history. |
89
|
Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data. |
89
|
Install, calibrate and maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems and computer settings. |
86
|
Recommend best crop varieties and seeding rates for specific field areas, based on analysis of geospatial data. |
86
|
Identify areas in need of pesticide treatment by analyzing geospatial data to determine insect movement and damage patterns. |
82
|
Process and analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps. |
71
|
Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment and pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability. |
Work Activities
Importance %age |
Activity Description |
73
|
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
|
71
|
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
|
71
|
Processing Information
|
66
|
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
|
65
|
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
|
65
|
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
|
64
|
Analyzing Data or Information
|
64
|
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
|
62
|
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
|
62
|
Scheduling Work and Activities
|
61
|
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
|
60
|
Performing General Physical Activities
|
60
|
Documenting/Recording Information
|
60
|
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
|
60
|
Getting Information
|
60
|
Thinking Creatively
|
58
|
Handling and Moving Objects
|
58
|
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
|
55
|
Interacting With Computers
|
54
|
Coaching and Developing Others
|
54
|
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
|
54
|
Developing Objectives and Strategies
|
53
|
Controlling Machines and Processes
|
53
|
Training and Teaching Others
|
53
|
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
|
51
|
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
|
49
|
Selling or Influencing Others
|
49
|
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
|
49
|
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
|
49
|
Performing Administrative Activities
|
49
|
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
|
48
|
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
|
48
|
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
|
47
|
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
|
46
|
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
|
42
|
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
|
41
|
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
|
40
|
Developing and Building Teams
|
40
|
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
|
39
|
Assisting and Caring for Others
|
35
|
Staffing Organizational Units
|