Agricultural Technician – ANZSCO 311111

Description
Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.
Skill Level
2
Alternative Titles
  • Agricultural Technical Officer
Specialisations
  • Agriculture Laboratory Technician
  • Artificial Insemination Technical Officer
  • Dairy Technician
  • Field Crop Technical Officer
  • Herd Tester
  • Horticultural Technical Officer

Skills Assessment Requirement

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Agricultural Technician is Vocational Education and Training Assess (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A qualification which is assessed as comparable to the educational level an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
  • Highly relevant major fields of study for a bachelor degree include:
    • Agricultural Science
    • Animal Science & Management
    • Crop Science
    • Viticulture
    • Plant and Animal Production
    • Precision Agriculture
  • Applicants must also have at least one year of highly relevant, post-qualification employment, at an appropriate skill level completed in the last five years.

Did you know?

Qualifications in certain science fields* may be accepted on a case by case basis if the program consists of sufficient subjects in Agricultural systems, Agronomy, Animal science, Agricultural chemistry, Grazing systems, Plant cultivation, Primary production and other relevant subjects in the specialised field.

*Those fields of study which may be considered include: Horticulture, Biotechnology, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering, Botany / Zoology, Environmental Science, Irrigation / Soil Science, Forestry

Potential Visa Pathways for Agricultural Technician

ANZSCOOccupationSkills Assessment189190485 491 (State)491 (Family)186 (Direct)407 (Training)494 (regional Sponsored)482 (TSS Medium Term)
311111
Agricultural TechnicianVETASSESSx x x x x

Group: 3111 Agricultural Technicians

Description
perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.
Tasks
  • examining topographical, physical and soil characteristics of farmland to determine its most effective use and identify nutrient deficiencies
  • assisting in developing new methods of planting, fertilising, harvesting and processing crops to achieve optimum land usage
  • identifying pathogenic micro-organisms and insects, parasites, fungi and weeds harmful to crops and livestock, and assisting in devising methods of control
  • analysing produce to set and maintain standards of quality
  • inspecting livestock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae
  • assisting in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved crop and livestock strains
  • arranging the supply of drugs, vaccines and other chemicals to Farmers and Farm Managers, and giving advice on their use
  • collecting and collating data for research
  • planning slaughtering, harvesting and other aspects of production processes
  • may advise producers on farming techniques and management
Skill Level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Occupations in this Group
  • 311111 Agricultural Technician

Subclass 190 visa– Skilled Nominated Visa & Subclass 491 visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

To apply for visa subclass 190 and visa subclass 491, you need to have a nomination from the state/territory government where you want to live and work. Each State and Territory have individual requirements that must be met in order to receive nomination. (See below)

While the 190 visa is a permanent visa, subclass 491 visa gives you right to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.

Another difference between the 190 and 491 visa is that you can only apply for visa subclass 491 if you are living and working in regional areas in Australia, while it is not a requirement if you are applying for the 190 visa.

In summary, to be eligible for 190 visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

Immigration Points

Must score at least 65 points, or higher points if the state or territory requires.

English

Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, or higher if the state or territory requires.

Age

Must be under 45 years of age.

be invited

Must lodge an EOI and be invited by the state or territory and then apply for the visa.

Skills assessment

Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.

HEALTH AND CHARACTER

Must meet health and character requirements.


To check if the state/ territory government requirements for your occupation, refer to the following links

State/ Territory
Links to requirements
New South Wales
Victoria
South Australia
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Tasmania
Queensland

407  Training Visa

The 407 visa a short stay visa for individuals to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa is generally valid to stay in Australia for 2 years. Please note this visa is subject to condition 8102 which forbids work apart from the training that is specified in the visa application. You are also required to maintain health insurance whilst in Australia.

To be eligible for visa 407, you need to meet the following criteria:

GTE

You must prove that you genuinely stay in Australia for training and will depart when you complete the training.

English Level

Must have Functional English, i.e. IELTS overall 4.5 with no band less than 4, or equivalent.

Age

Must be over 18 years old.

Be Sponsored

You must be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor – Can be an employer or a commonwealth agency

Health and Character

Must meet health and character requirements.

Subclass 494 visa – Skilled Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

You can apply for subclass 494 if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. To be eligible for this visa, you must have at least 3 years of working experience in your nominated occupation and have a relevant skills assessment. With this visa, there is a requirement that you must work for the employer who is sponsoring you.

This visa provides pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa.

Experience

At least 3 years full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.

English

Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Age

Must be under 45 years of age, unless exempt.

Be Sponsored

Must be sponsored by an Australian regional employer.

Subclass 482 visa – Temporary Skill Shortage (Medium Term) visa

The Subclass 482 visa is a Temporary Skill Shortage visa that requires a sponsorship from an Australian employer. This visa allows to your live and work in Australia for up to 4 years. You may apply for as many 482 visas as you want, as long as the employer is willing to sponsor you.

English Level

Must have IELTS overall of atleast 5.0 with no band less than 5.0.

Age

There is no age requirement for this visa.

Health and Character

Must meet health and character requirements.

Important

Caveats apply to this visa. Subclass 482 visa excludes positions that are not located in regional Australia.

Job Outlook

  • $1441

    Weekly Earnings

  • 80%

    Work full time hours

  • stable

    Growth expected in the next 5 years

  • 37% female

    Gender share

  • 42 hours

    Average full-time

  • high skill

    Skill level rating

Book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find out more about your visa options and your path to Australian permanent residency or applying for citizenship.

Study Pathways for Agricultural Technician

You usually need a formal qualification in agricultural science or technology to work as an Agricultural Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

A diploma of Agricultural Science  reflects the role of personnel working on farms and stations who manage enterprise production units and employees and sole operators of agribusinesses who provide crop production advice and services to production enterprises. Industry expects individuals with this qualification will take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They must analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities.

Diploma of Agriculture

  • Duration: 1 year full time
  • Cost: Approx AUD $17,000 per year for international students

English language requirements:

  • IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0);
  • TOEFL (paper-based test): 577 +, TWE 4.5;
  • TOEFL (internet-based test): 79 + (Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13);
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): 58 +, no communicative skill below 50
  • Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 +, no skill below 169.
  • Bachelor of Agricultural Science
  • Bachelor of Science