Agricultural Technical Officer (VIC)

Education and Training:

To become an agricultural technical officer you usually have to complete a certificate IV or diploma in an agricultural discipline. However, entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in agricultural science.

Entry to the certificate and diploma courses below usually requires Year 12. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your VCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are normally required. The various institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Certificate Courses:

TAFE Victoria - various locations:

Certificate IV in Agriculture

Diploma Courses:

TAFE Victoria - various locations:

Diploma of Agriculture

South West Institute of TAFE - Glenormiston Campus:

Diploma of Rural Business Management

Sunraysia Institute of TAFE - various campuses:

Diploma of Rural Business Management

Degree Courses:

La Trobe University - Bundoora Campus:

Bachelor of Agricultural Science, 4 years full time or equivalent

RMIT University - City Campus:

Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences), majoring in agriculture, 3 years full time or equivalent

University of Melbourne - Parkville/Dookie Campuses:

Bachelor of Agriculture, 3 years full time or equivalent

University of Melbourne - Parkville Campus:

Bachelor of Science, majoring in agricultural science, 3 years full time or equivalent par

Related Courses:

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Agricultural technical officers are employed by state, territory and federal government departments, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), pastoral companies, agricultural chemical manufacturers and farm consultancies.

In the past, government organisations were the major employers. However, government positions are now often offered as short-term contracts based on project funding. Much of the work has been contracted out to private businesses and consultancy practices.