Agronomy | Iowa State University

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: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

Complex machinery operations — plan and oversee multi-machine field operations including combines, earthmoving equipment, and trucks across large or varied agricultural sites.
Advanced land preparation — design and execute precision land-contouring and drainage plans to optimize soil conditions for specialty crops or vineyards.
Full-cycle crop production — autonomously manage all crop production phases from germination through harvest, adjusting practices in response to non-routine environmental conditions.
Diagnostic specimen analysis — independently examine animal and crop specimens to identify diseases, pathogens, or pest infestations and recommend evidence-based intervention strategies.
Research protocol execution — implement multi-variable field and lab experiments, ensuring data integrity and adapting methodology when unanticipated conditions arise.
Integrated data management — build and maintain ERP and database systems that consolidate experimental, production, and animal care records for cross-functional analysis.
Equipment reliability programs — develop preventive maintenance schedules for the full fleet of agricultural machinery, reducing downtime and ensuring safety compliance.
Critical analysis and reporting — synthesize field and laboratory findings into written technical reports and presentations for research teams and agricultural stakeholders.
Active learning and technology adoption — evaluate and integrate emerging precision-agriculture technologies, including updated GIS platforms and sensor tools, into existing field operations.
Judgment under uncertainty — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to resolve ambiguous crop health or equipment scenarios with limited supervisor input on active research sites.

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.