Agricultural Equipment Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview The government’s desire to improve farming methods had paved the way for agricultural companies to use advanced designs in manufacturing and developing agricultural machinery. This created a big impact on the agricultural industry and it helped increase the production of agricultural products. Planting, harvesting, cultivating and processing food had been easy for farmers because of modern agricultural machinery and equipment. Those who adjust, assemble, maintain, test, modify, operate and design these equipment are called agricultural equipment technicians.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Strong knowledge in Mathematics and Science will help prepare an applicant to be an agricultural equipment technician. Soil conservation, Environment and Agriculture are being taught in Science class. Mechanical drawing and Technical or Shop classes are needed. High school diploma is required for this job. Opportunities are numerous for those who are able to complete a four year education. Associate’s degree is given to those who are able to complete the program in community or technical colleges. The courses advisable to know more about being an agricultural equipment technician include Practical Engineering, General Agriculture, Electrical Equipment, Agricultural Power and Equipment, Agricultural-Equipment Business Methods, Hydraulics, Social Science, Sales Techniques, Engineering and Economics. Regular curriculum would also includean on-the-job training to give them a sginificant experience and exposure to the field.
Skills and Abilities
It is important for an agricultural equipment technician to be highly knowledgeable in engineering principles and physical sciences. This means that they should have a strong mathematical background. Knowing farm machinery, crops and agricultural products by heart are essential. They should know how to communicate effectively since they would be teaching, selling to and interacting with different people who want to be aware of the agricultural equipment. They need to be keen on details as well.
Duties
The duties and responsibilities of an agricultural equipment technician depend on their type of employment.
They can work in equipment management, equipment manufacturing or in equipment sales and service. It is their responsibility to design and test farm machinery and agricultural processing and harvesting equipment. They create layouts and detailed drawings of the equipment. They should be updated with latest materials and equipment used in agriculture. It is their duty to evaluate and test how the machine performs.This test should be recorded and gathered to know if there are adjustments necessary in the design of the machine. Some agricultural equipment technician teach farmers in operating and using the equipment. They maintain the equipment and make sure that it operates properly.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Average income for agricultural equipment technician in 2004 was $27,860. Some technicians are paid hourly which can range from $9.08 to $19.40 per hour. Their earnings are based on their skills, ability and initiative. Job opportunities will be slower for agricultural equipment technician. It will be an advantage to be more skilled and knowledgeable in the agricultural machinery to be more competitive in the job market..
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
Latest Articles about: Careers
1: College Mathematics Professors: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook2: Mathematics Teacher: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
3: Medical Assistant: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
4: Mathematicians: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
5: Medical Ethicist: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Word Count: 526 Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 Time: 10:55 AM
Previous - Agricultural Consultants: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook | Next - Agricultural Pilots: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook