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Crop technician

Alternative titles for this job include Cereals technician, agriculture technician

Crop technicians use technology to help plants grow well, keeping pests away and making sure they are healthy until harvest.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Meet Will

Will works as a crop technician, giving advice on crop protection.

1 minute 40 second watch

View transcript

Hi, I am Will Oliver and I'm really passionate about the technical side of crop production on this farm.

So I grew up on the family farm and from there I went and did a degree in Agriculture and Crop Protection at Harbor Adams.

That gave me the confidence to do my Basis and Facts, which are the qualifications you need to become a qualified agronomist.

I advise on crop protection products and fertiliser recommendations.

Typical working week can change throughout the year.

You try and learn as you go along, but there's always something different that throws a curve ball at you.

So we're using satellite imagery. We can monitor things in real time now, but nothing really beats getting out in the field, walking the field.

The technical side of crop production, what I enjoy the most is that it shows the results. So things like yield maps, having that picture painted for us on a computer, so to speak, it stays there forever really.

Agriculture, horticulture, all elements of food production are hugely important in protecting our environment but they've gotta work hand-in-hand.

So we're doing things like not using insecticide on the farm for six years, cover cropping, improving soil health, monitoring our soils, organic manures, a more diverse crop rotation.

There's lots of things going on that we do all the time to be more sustainable.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • agriculture
  • crop science
  • environmental science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this career by taking a course in a relevant subject like:

  • agriculture
  • horticulture
  • environmental science
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Crop Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

If you want to work as crop technician in horticulture, you could apply to do an apprenticeship like:

  • Horticulture or Landscaping Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Horticulture or Landscaping Technical Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Salary can vary depending on the hours worked and the time of year. You may also get other benefits including:

  • free or subsidised accommodation
  • travel pay
  • profit shares
  • vehicle use
  • production bonuses

Further information

You can find out more about careers in agriculture from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of biology
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • maths knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • science skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to learn through your work
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a crop technician working in agriculture or horticulture, you could:

  • monitor the growth and health of crops
  • treat crops to manage pests or disease
  • manage plant nutrients depending on the weather and environment
  • set up and maintain irrigation systems
  • operate and maintain machinery
  • follow health and safety guidance and legislation
  • use sustainable methods to minimise environmental impact
  • stay up to date with new technologies

Working environment

You could work on a farm.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could:

  • move into other science-based positions like crop research
  • become a farm manager
  • become a farm consultant

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Horticulture Crop Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £26,436 a year Annually
  • Location: Brampton Road Madley, Hereford

Horticulture Crop Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £26,436 a year Annually
  • Location: Tram Inn, Hereford

Courses In England

Agriculture

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Tonbridge

Agriculture Level 2 Certificate

  • Provider: HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Hereford

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