Agricultural Equipment Technicians

Working conditions vary according to the type of field chosen. Technicians employed by large farming operations work indoors or outdoors depending on the season and the tasks that need to be done. Planning machine overhauls and directing such work are usually done in enclosed spaces equipped for it. As its name implies, field servicing and repairs are done in the field.

Some agricultural equipment sales representatives work in their own or nearby communities, while others must travel extensively.

Technicians in agricultural equipment research, development, and production usually work under typical factory conditions: Some work in an office or laboratory, others in a manufacturing plant, or, in some cases, perform field testing and demonstrations where the machinery will be used.

For technicians who assemble, adjust, modify, or test equipment and those who provide customer service, application studies, and maintenance services, the surroundings may be similar to large automobile service centers.

In all cases, safety precautions must be a constant concern. Appropriate clothing, an acute awareness of one's environment, and careful lifting or hoisting of heavy machinery must be standard. While safety practices have improved dramatically over the years, certain risks do exist. Heavy lifting may cause injury, and burns and cuts are always possible. The surroundings may be noisy and grimy. Some work is performed in cramped or awkward physical positions. Gasoline fumes and odors from oil products are a constant factor. Most technicians ordinarily work a 40-hour week, but emergency repairs may require overtime.