Agricultural Technology | Montana State University-Northern

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 19-4012.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringWritingJudgment and Decision MakingInstructing

Knowledge

Food ProductionBiologyChemistryMechanicalMathematics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityNear VisionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingCategory Flexibility

Tasks

Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouri
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving e
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.

Technology

Desktop publishing softwareElectronic mail softwareGeographic information systemMobile location based services softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Aerosol foggersAerosol generatorsAgricultural tractorsAir compressorsAir samplersAnimal chutesAnimal head-locksAnimal measuring sticksAnimal tatooersArtificial insemination syringesBalersBed shapersBenchtop centrifugesBlood collection syringesCallicrate banding systems

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium19-4012.00	Agricultural Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Farm machinery operation — independently operate and maneuver tractors, sprayers, and balers across varied field conditions with reduced oversight.
Land preparation — select and apply appropriate plowing, contouring, or leveling techniques for different soil types and crop rotation plans.
Crop production management — execute a full seasonal cycle of tilling, pruning, and harvesting activities with minimal direct supervision on mid-scale operations.
Sample collection and handling — apply correct sampling protocols for both animal and plant specimens, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation for research records.
Equipment setup and calibration — configure laboratory and field testing instruments to project specifications and verify calibration before data collection begins.
Experimental data recording — compile structured field and lab datasets using database software, ensuring accuracy and completeness for researcher review.
Facility and equipment maintenance — diagnose minor mechanical faults in agricultural tools and schedule or perform repairs to maintain operational readiness.
Specimen examination — assess crop and animal samples for signs of disease, nutritional deficiency, or environmental stress, flagging anomalies for senior review.
GIS and mobile tools — use geographic information system and mobile location-based software to map field zones and track agronomic conditions across a farm.
Coordination and communication — liaise with research staff and equipment operators to align daily field schedules and resolve routine workflow conflicts.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.