Agricultural Technician

Highly relevant tasks include, but are not limited to:

• 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, fertilizing, harvesting and processing crops to achieve optimum land usage.
• Identifying pathogenic micro-organisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assisting in devising methods of control.
• Analyzing produce to set and maintain standards of quality.
• Inspecting livestock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae.
• Assisting in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved crop and livestock strains.
• 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.
• Planning slaughtering, harvesting and other aspects of production processes.
• May advise producers on farming techniques and management.

*If employment is prior to the completion of the qualification at the required level, an applicant must have at least one year of highly relevant employment  at an appropriate skill level within the last five years.  The remaining three years of pre-qualifying period  may be within the last ten years.

Agricultural Technicians can work in research as well as commercial agriculture, horticulture and livestock production and servicing areas.

There are opportunities for Agricultural Technicians to learn on the job and contribute through technical expertise including modern agricultural practices, environmental management, intensive horticulture practices and advanced livestock production including breeding and artificial insemination.

Generally, Agricultural Technicians work in support of and assist Agricultural Scientists or equivalent experts.

Artificial Insemination Officer

The primary duty of an artificial insemination technician is to inseminate livestock in the hope of successfully impregnating the animals, but they may have many additional related responsibilities. Technicians must carefully monitor the heat cycles of female animals to determine the optimal time to inseminate (based on  the animal’s ovulation cycle and behaviour). They also must carefully handle and thaw the straws of frozen semen that have been kept in liquid nitrogen storage. The insemination must be performed with both speed and accuracy to ensure that the animal has the best chance to become pregnant on a single service. 

When applying for a Skills Assessment, please ensure you submit sufficient evidence supporting your proof of identity, qualification and employment claims. A full list of the documents required can be found on the VETASSESS website under Eligibility Criteria.