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ESCO occupation

agricultural technician

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Agricultural technicians collect and conduct experiments and tests on agriculture and aquaculture specimens. They provide support to scientists and farmers and also analyse and report on conditions in the collected specimens' environments.

3142.1 ISCO 3142 ESCO source
Competences
43
Groups
4
Essential
10
Optional
33

Competences and skills

43 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

1 competence
laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 9 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
analyse environmental data

Analyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.

green
ESCO source
apply safety procedures in laboratory

Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
analyse scientific data

Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.

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analyse test data

Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.

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conduct field work

Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.

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execute analytical mathematical calculations

Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

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gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

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maintain laboratory equipment

Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.

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write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

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Optional knowledge 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

9 competences
aeroponics

The cultivation of plants without the use of an aggregate medium such as soil. The roots of plants are directly exposed to the surrounding air or mist and irrigated with nutrient solutions.

green
ESCO source
agricultural equipment

The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

ESCO source
agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products

The offered agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

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aquaculture industry

The characteristics and business models of the aquaculture industry, its designs and installations.

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horticulture principles

The standard horticultural practices, including but not limited to planting, pruning, corrective pruning, and fertilisation.

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hydroponics

The cultivation of plants without the use of soil, by applying mineral nutrient solutions.

green
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plant harvest methods

The various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.

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sustainable agricultural production principles

Principles and conditions of organic and sustainable agricultural production.

green
ESCO source
viticulture

Understanding of vine growth and principles of viticulture.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
agricultural chemicals

The production and characteristics of agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or insecticides.

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aquaculture reproduction

The techniques used to induce spawning, spawning on nests, stripping using appropriate techniques for specific species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and others. The environmental control of spawning, the use of hormones to induce reproduction and the broodstock recruitment by genetic selection.

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biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
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chemistry

The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

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integrated food-energy systems

The integration of food and energy production into farming or food production systems.

green
ESCO source
soil science

The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
monitor fisheries

Monitor commercial fisheries to ensure appropriate inventories are maintained.

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Sector-specific

15 competences
advise on crop diseases

Give advice on crops which have a specific susceptibility to particular diseases and the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.

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advise on fertiliser and herbicide

Provide advice on types of fertilisers and herbicides, their usage and best time to apply them.

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assess crop damage

Identify and evaluate damage to crops due to disorders, adverse physical soil conditions, unsuitable pH, nutrient imbalances and deficiencies, the misuse of crop protection materials, or extreme weather factors.

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culture aquaculture hatchery stocks

Use appropriate implements to collect shellfish spat. Sort wild shellfish spat. Collect naturally spawned fish eggs; eliminate egg adhesiveness and incubate eggs until hatched. Handle fish and shellfish broodstock and feed according to their needs.

Scope note
Can hand strip marine flatfish, salmonids (if applicable). Can use green water incubation technology.
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evaluate vineyard problems

Detect and assess vineyard problems. Recommendations effective, timely and economic solutions to deliver fruit of a high quality.

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evaluate vineyard quality

Help in assessing the vineyard and varietal fruit. Supervise receipt and evaluation of fruit according to quality parameters and specifications.

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inspect agricultural fields

Inspect crops, fields, and plant stock to determine the need and timing for sowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting.

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irrigate soil

Irrigate soil using portable pipes or ditches. Maintain ditches, pipes and pumps as required.

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maintain aquaculture containers

Clean and disinfect equipment and treatment systems. Drain and clean aquaculture tanks and troughs using brushes, chemicals, and water. Prepare fish holding units to receive fish and change nets. Conduct swimthroughs. Stock fish in holding units. Collect dead fish in holding units.

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maintain tanks for viticulture

Clean and sanitise the interior of tanks and hoses using chemicals. Remove and install manhole covers from the top of the tank, and tank fans made of solid or expanded metal. Wash the exterior of tanks using chemical cleaning agents. Sanitise and sterilise fermenting and fortifying tanks and railroad tank cars, using an air hose and soda ash.

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maintain waterbased aquaculture facilities

Clean off fouling and maintain floating and submerged aquaculture structures. Repair floating and submerged aquaculture structures. 

Scope note
It could include knotting and splicing, repairing and replacing plastic components.
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manage crop production

Perform crop production duties such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilising, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. Supervise all steps of the crop production and ranging process, including planting, fertilising, harvesting, herding as well as controlling pests or weeds.

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monitor crops

Monitor the growth of the crops to ensure the crops are free from diseases, harmful chemicals and organisms.

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prevent crop disorders

Advise on how to prevent and limit particular crop disorders with the appropriate methods. Select corrective treatments.

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provide advice to farmers

Provide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.

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Cross-sector

2 competences
collect weather-related data

Gather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.

digital
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research improvement of crop yields

Study crop production in order to discover the best way to plant, gather, and cultivate crops to increase productivity.

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