# Tasks & work activities — aquaculture rearing technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-4012.00 (Agricultural Technicians) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 6221; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Supplemental]** Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.
- **[Supplemental]** Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
- **[Supplemental]** Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
- **[Core]** Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
- **[Core]** Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
- **[Core]** Collect animal or crop samples.
- **[Supplemental]** Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
- **[Supplemental]** Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
- **[Core]** Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
- **[Supplemental]** Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
- **[Core]** Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
- **[Supplemental]** Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
- **[Core]** Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- **[Core]** Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- **[Supplemental]** Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
- **[Core]** Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- **[Supplemental]** Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
- **[Core]** Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.

## Detailed work activities

- Care for plants or animals.
- Collect biological specimens.
- Cultivate land.
- Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
- Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
- Measure ingredients.
- Operate farming equipment.
- Operate laboratory or field equipment.
- Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Provide technical information or assistance to public.
- Record research or operational data.
- Research crop management methods.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
- Set up laboratory or field equipment.
- Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
- Test quality of materials or finished products.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.