Precision Agriculture Career Pathways
Table of Contents
Agricultural Technology & Automation
Agricultural Technology (AgTech) represents the future of farming, leveraging technology and data science to reduce costs and increase efficiencies and yields.
Animal Systems & Crop Science
Animal Systems & Crop Science careers promote the health and well-being of animals, including companion, livestock, and exotic animals, and facilitate the efficient production of animal-related and agriculture products within the food system. See also: Bioengineering.
Precision agriculture focuses on the scientific advancement of agriscience, cultivation, processing, and the distribution of agricultural products by using advanced technologies and sustainable practices to optimize global food systems.
Visit our precision agriculture education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana agriculture programs.
Agricultural Technology & Automation
Education:
A two-year associate’s degree in an area like agricultural technology, geography, or GIS is often sufficient for entry-level roles. Many employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree for advancement. These jobs require knowledge of food production, complex problem-solving capabilities, and a thorough understanding of agriculture science and math.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth AgTech roles include agriculture engineer, farm equipment mechanic & service technician, geographic information systems (GIS) technician, precision agriculture technician, and remote sensing technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
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Median MT Salary: $42,000
MT Growth Rate: 5%
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Median MT Salary: $48,000
Growth Rate: 9% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $51,000
MT Growth Rate: 26%
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Median Salary: $84,630
Growth Rate: 8% (nationally)
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Blueprint reading
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Diagnostics software like Jaltest AGV
Documenting repairs and parts used for maintenance
Dexterity and hand-eye coordination
GIS software like ArcGIS for data mapping
Knowledge of farm machinery, hydraulics, and electrical systems
Strong math skills
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organization
Patience
Problem-solving
Education:
Most of these roles require a four-year bachelor's degree in agroecology, animal science, plant science, or a similar field. Veterinarians need to earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited program, pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), and obtain a state license.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in animal systems and crop science include agricultural engineer, an agricultural manager like a farmer or rancher, soil & plant scientist, and veterinarian. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Animal Systems & Crop Science
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $74,300
MT Growth Rate: 18%
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Average MT Salary: $82,300
MT Growth Rate: 33%
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Average Salary: $84,600
Growth Rate: 6% (nationally)
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Average MT Salary: $92,700
MT Growth Rate: 1%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Data analysis and field sampling
Dexterity and hand-eye coordination
GIS software like ArcGIS for data mapping
Knowledge of agricultural processes like soil management, pest control, and livestock care
Knowledge of bioinformatics and genomic techniques like DNA sequencing
Strong understanding of biology, chemistry, and ecology
Understanding of public safety practices and food regulations
Writing documentation to report findings and developments
Soft Skills
Analytical
Critical thinking
Communication
Detail-oriented
Organization
Patience
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Time-management
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.