Agricultural Technicians and Inspection Officers

Agricultural technicians and inspection officers in Australia conduct field assessments, collect samples, and monitor compliance with biosecurity and agricultural standards across farms, processing facilities, and rural properties. They perform technical inspections, analyse soil and crop conditions, document findings in regulatory systems, and advise farmers and producers on compliance with Australian agricultural legislation, animal welfare codes, and food safety standards.

Collect soil, water, plant, and livestock samples for laboratory analysis and disease surveillance using standardised sampling protocols. Inspect agricultural properties and livestock facilities to assess compliance with animal welfare codes and biosecurity requirements. Conduct visual assessments of crop health, pest infestations, and disease symptoms using field observation techniques and diagnostic tools. Record inspection findings and sample data into Australian agricultural databases and regulatory information systems (e.g. Department of Agriculture systems). Test water quality, soil nutrients, and chemical residues using portable field equipment and calibrated instruments. Advise farm operators on pest management, disease prevention, and compliance with chemical use regulations under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Code. Document chain of custody procedures for samples destined for laboratory testing and NATA-accredited facilities. Identify and photograph plant diseases, pest damage, and soil conditions for field reports and botanical records.

The standard entry pathway requires a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree (ABS skill level 2). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need formal qualifications (diploma or advanced diploma) to break in, and that takes time and money upfront. The work is physically demanding: lots of time outdoors in all weather, handling livestock and chemicals. Pay isn't guaranteed to be high, and career progression often means moving into management rather than staying hands-on. Automation is also starting to replace field sampling with drones and sensors.

Most positions are with state Department of Agriculture offices, local councils, or private agribusiness companies based in regional towns rather than cities. Remote work is rare: you're out on farms and facilities most days.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3113, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Digital Literacy
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Negotiation
• Policy Interpretation
• Process Documentation
• Team Collaboration

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026