Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists by performing duties such as measuring and analyzing the quality of food and agricultural products. Agricultural and food science technicians work in laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, greenhouses, and offices. Agricultural and food science technicians may apply new agricultural chemicals to plants and perform tests to verify their effects.
Agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, crop or animal science, or a related field. Many positions require a bachelor’s degree. For those positions requiring only a high school diploma, technicians typically need to have previous work experience. Technicians often receive on-the-job training that may cover topics such as production techniques, personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
