Farm technician
Take responsibility for the machinery that keeps crops growing and farm animals thriving.
Also known as: crop technician, agricultural technician
About the job
What it's like
Are you passionate about animals and plants? As a farm technician, you’ll repair, maintain and operate the machinery that looks after them.
Every day is different as it depends on what's happening at the farm! One day, you'll use machinery to extract milk from a cow. The next, you may help solve an electrical fault in a combine harvester. Farm technicians can also work in forestry or horticultural settings.
This role is perfect for someone who’s physically fit and has good problem-solving skills. You’ll need a keen eye for detail, an interest in agriculture and the desire to play your part in a farming team.
Your tasks might include:
feeding animals properly and looking after their shelters or enclosures
monitoring and maintaining crops, using pesticides or fertilisers when needed
inspecting animals for signs of illness and giving them medication
assisting with animals’ birthing or breeding processes
preparing soil for planting then managing its irrigation
driving tractors, combine harvesters or other farm machinery
using tools like sprayers and milking machines
performing routine checks and repairs on farm equipment
troubleshooting more complex mechanical issues on the farm
Green job
In this job, you'll work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.
- boat handling
- aquaculture
- biosecurity
- fish culture
- soil sampling
- farm equipment
- animal health
- agriculture
- fertilizers
- automotive engineering
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- time management
- problem solving
- analysing
- adaptability
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths (Mathematics)
Geography
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
You do not need a degree to work as a farm technician. Although, a degree in a related area like agriculture or environmental science is a positive addition to your application.
But there are lots of routes into a career as a farm technician – here are some of them.
Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you'll need through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience alongside your other school subjects.
You can browse FAs on Apprenticeships.scot. This one in Scientific Technologies will teach you some transferable skills that’ll help you build an agricultural career.
Modern Apprenticeships
If you’re aged 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a farm technician role.
You might find these MAs helpful:
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as a HNC or HND, can help you become a farm technician or move on to more advanced study.
Several colleges across Scotland offer HND and HNC courses in Agriculture. What you’ll need to get into one of these courses depends on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for an HND in Agriculture at Scotland’s Rural and Agricultural College, you’ll need:
two Highers at grade C or better – preferably including Geography or a Science subject
National 5 Maths and English at grade C or better
Other subjects at college may be relevant to this career. For example, you could study:
life sciences
environmental management
biology
biological sciences
wildlife and conservation management
engineering
It’s a great idea to build some experience of working on a farm.
For example, you could try and find a weekend or holiday job picking crops or helping with milk production.
You may need a driving licence to reach remote countryside locations.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Farm technician'
