Agricultural, Agritech and Aquaculture Technicians (ANZSCO 3111) play a crucial role in the agricultural, agritech, and aquaculture industries in Australia. They perform a wide range of tasks, including conducting tests and experiments, providing technical support, and assisting Agricultural and Fisheries Scientists, Agronomists, and Farmers in various areas such as research, crop and animal health, production, servicing, and marketing.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group require a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) in Australia. In New Zealand, a NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) is required. However, in some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be considered in addition to formal qualifications.

Tasks Include:

• 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, livestock, and aquatic stock, and assisting in devising methods of control.
• Examining environmental and other factors that influence the growth, health, and production of aquatic stock.
• Analysing produce to set and maintain standards of quality.
• Monitoring livestock and aquatic stock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae.
• Assisting in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved crop, livestock, and aquatic stock strains.
• Artificially inseminating livestock for breeding purposes.
• Providing advice on breeding selection and techniques.
• Providing advice, training, and technical support and services on technology solutions such as sensors, farm management software, data, and robotics.
• Installing, programming, testing, repairing, and maintaining animal and crop health monitoring equipment.
• Developing, operating, and maintaining complex technological systems and equipment used in farm production, including analysing data and preparing reports.
• Applying geospatial and other technology systems to support primary production such as automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applications, and surveying equipment.
• 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 and animal husbandry purposes.
• Providing advice to producers on farming techniques, management, and production processes.

Occupation:

• 311112 Agricultural and Agritech Technician
• 311113 Animal Husbandry Technician
• 311114 Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
• 311115 Irrigation Designer (Alternative Title: Irrigation Planner)

311112 Agricultural and Agritech Technician

Agricultural and Agritech Technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Research Scientists, Agronomists, and Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing, and marketing. They also advise on, install, and service advanced agriculture technology and equipment, including precision agricultural solutions, virtual fencing, and automatic milking machines.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisations:

• Agriculture Laboratory Technician
• Precision Agricultural Technician

311113 Animal Husbandry Technician

Animal Husbandry Technicians play a crucial role in assisting Livestock Farmers and Farm Managers in breeding, raising, and managing livestock. They undertake various technical animal husbandry tasks, such as pregnancy testing, artificial insemination, lactation management, and providing nutrition assessment and advice.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisation:

• Artificial Insemination Technician

311114 Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician

Aquaculture or Fisheries Technicians provide valuable support to Aquaculture Farmers and Fisheries Scientists in raising and managing aquatic stock. They undertake onshore and offshore technical fish husbandry tasks, including sampling water and analyzing data from ponds, pens, and tanks. They also identify common diseases and pests, perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support in areas such as research, production, servicing, and marketing.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisations:

• Fisheries Technical Officer
• Hatchery Technician (Aquaculture)

311115 Irrigation Designer (Alternative Title: Irrigation Planner)

Irrigation Designers play a crucial role in designing and planning irrigation systems. They consider various factors such as licensing, climatic and environmental conditions, water source availability, crop type, and soil characteristics to ensure efficient irrigation practices.

Skill Level: 2