Precision Agriculture Technicians

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Code: 19-4099.02

Description : Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

JobTitles : Crop Specialist, Nutrient Management Specialist, Precision Agriculture Department Manager, Precision Agronomist, Precision Farming Coordinator

Tasks:
  • Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).
  • Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history.
  • Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.
  • Compile and analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, and weather conditions.
  • Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials.
  • 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.
  • Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans.
  • Apply knowledge of government regulations when making agricultural recommendations.
  • Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps.
  • Recommend best crop varieties or seeding rates for specific field areas, based on analysis of geospatial data.