Precision Agriculture Specialist

Holland Code:

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Innovations that are guided by smallholder farmers, adapted to local circumstances, and sustainable for the economy and environment will be necessary to ensure food security in the future.

Bill Gates

In A Nutshell

I set farmers up with technology they can use on their farm and train them on how to use it.

I work with customers to set up programs that collect data about their fields.

I use collected data to make decisions about the health of the fields and suggest improvements that the farmer could make.

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Potential Salary Range

$57,000 - 62,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Saskwatchewan

Some days, I go out to visit farmers and work them through the technologies they have on their equipment. The rest of my time is spent in the office, either at home or in my truck, processing data to build reports and plans for farmers. The diversity in my job keeps it interesting!

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

Set customers up with technology they can use with their farming equipment to better their farm
Work with customers to understand their specific situation on their farm and in their fields, and what they’re hoping to achieve
Train farmers on how to use technology
Use data that farmers collect to make suggestions and recommendations about how to make decisions on their farm about their crop inputs
Help with maintenance on equipment technology, like software on tablets in tractors, that aren’t working as they should be
Answer any questions that farmers have about their equipment or machinery via phone, email, or in-person visits

Education & Training

A college diploma, university degree, or apprenticeship in Information Technology (IT), Equipment Service, Agronomy, or Agriculture Business is required for this job. A Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) certification may also be needed.

Job Outlook

As agriculture moves towards automation and continues to innovate, these skilled professionals will be increasingly valuable. These jobs will be more abundant in areas of Canada where crop farming is done on a larger scale.

Related School Subjects

Science

Ed. Prof. et Tech.

Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Innovation Computers Technology Precision Agriculture Automation

Important Skills

Computer & Technological

Modern agriculture uses a lot of technology; my role involves helping farmers harness that technology to use it in a way that helps them make the most of their land in terms of productivity, while also keeping the environment in mind.

Coaching & Mentoring

Technology can be intimidating for a lot of people. I need to be able to provide technical support and mentorship to clients in a way that they feel confident with the new products being introduced.

Critical Thinking

After a producer collects data from software installed in their equipment, I go through the data to make interpretations about it, to then discuss the findings with farming customers. Critical thinking skills help me put that information to good use.

Customer Service

It’s important that my clients feel I’m listening to their wants and needs, and helping them to acheive their goals - that's what good service is all about!

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Pays Well

Helps Others

Using Technology

Improves and Protects the Environment

References

AgCareers.com - Precision Agriculture Specialist. (2021).

Glassdoor - Precision Agronomist Salaries. (2021).

Precision Agronomist Career. (No Date).

Disclaimer

All career information has been gathered from a variety of sources and compiled to provide a general idea as to what each career could entail. Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is committed to doing our best to ensure the information is current and reliable. However, we will not be liable for the accuracy of the information. Please contact us if you notice errors or would like to provide feedback.