Precision Agriculture Specialist
Precision agriculture specialists provide support and technical assistance to growers who are using precision technologies on their farms. Using these technologies, precision agricultural specialists create and implement plans for farmers to enhance the health of their fields. Precision agriculture is a method of farming that uses technological innovations such as global positioning systems (GPS), drones, sensors, soil sampling and other precision machinery.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Set up differential GPS on farms
- Implement variable rate application (the application of a material where application is based on the precise location or qualities of the area instead of one application for the entire field) of lime and nutrients
- Be accountable for all aspects of record keeping and data management for clients
- Assist in business plans and marketing precision agriculture program to producers
- Network with local government and extension leaders
- Participate in meetings within the sales area
- Maintain and build relationships with growers
- Provide technical service and recommendations to clients
- Assist customers in installing and calibrating their precision equipment
- Provide training for clients and other retail employees in precision agriculture
- Assist in handling customer concerns and complaints
- Interpret satellite remote sensing to identify and map field variability
- Prepare fertility, fungicide and seeding maps and recommendations
- Use satellite imagery, GPS, drones and application equipment to locate fields and perform soil sampling duties in the field
- Provide agronomic services in the field using scouting apps or software
- Perform data analysis using software technology for each client
- Be responsible for mapping fields, ground truthing soil zones and performing soil sampling duties in the field
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education, especially agricultural mechanics
- mathematics
- focus on sciences such as chemistry and biology
Education/Training Required:
A college diploma or bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, agronomy, agricultural business or information technology (IT) is required. Having your certified crop adviser certification may also be required.
