These professionals manage the planning, production and collection of foodstuffs following the regulations governing organic production and often also the marketing of foodstuffs (vegetables and animals) or of their by-products, produced in the agricultural holding.

They may only carry out one agricultural or livestock activity, or both. In the management of agricultural holdings, they must consider both factors directly related to agricultural and livestock activities, as well as aspects such as the reduction of chemical fertilizers or the keeping of animals in adequate spaces, among others, ensuring the application of criteria of good agricultural practices and a rational use of resources.

Likewise, they are responsible for the maintenance of agricultural machinery in its optimum condition (tractor and other traction equipment, self-propelled and powered machines for soil word, tools for hooking and/or coupling, workshop instrument for maintenance and mechanical and electromechanical repairs, lifting and displacement tanks, fuel and lubricant storage tanks, workbenches, among others.

They may also be responsible for a first transformation of the food they produce (for example, artisan food). And, as in any other agricultural operation, they are responsible for finances, maintenance of facilities and machinery and personnel management.

• Plan and organise production adapted to the demand, seasonal harvests and characteristics of the agricultural holding and weather, always following the regulations for the production of organic products.
• In the agricultural holdings, propose and introduce new crops and/or improve the existing ones. Advise on and determine the plant type or variety, cultivation techniques, phytosanitary protection and the notes and records to be made from the agricultural holding.
• Contract the services necessary for the agricultural holding (leasing of agricultural machinery, seeds, plant and animal health products, veterinary assistance, harvest insurances, etc.) and control their general maintenance.
• Adapt and manage the workforce according to the needs of each production phase. May be in charge of the permanent workforce, but at times must also manage the temporary workforce.
• Establish, organise and supervise daily work schedules.
• Manage the sale of harvests and agricultural and livestock production.
• Control financial management and draw up the operations budget, while supervising cost control.
• Ensure that the end product complies with the product regulations and manage the use of identification labels from certification bodies.
• Responsible for the maintenance of tractors and other traction equipment and ensure that they are in perfect condition of use, following the technical specifications.
• Organise optimising space and access to tools and work equipment for immediate use.
• Check tractors and other traction equipment with the periodicity indicated in the maintenance manuals.
• Carry out assembly/disassembly, welding, basic repair and mechanization operations, using the appropriate equipment and tools and with the required precision.
• Responsible for the maintenance of tractors, machines, equipment and tools, considering the company¿s occupational risk prevention plan and the best environmental practices manual.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Agrària: Maneig i manteniment de maquinària agrícola (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Agrària: Operacions específiques en activitats agrícoles (Nivell 2)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Agricultural Activities - Intermediate Level: Agroecological production
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Agricultural Activities - Intermediate Level: Farming production
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Agricultural Activities - Advanced Level: Landscaping and rural environment
• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Enginyeria agrícola
• Grau: Enginyeria de Ciències Agronòmiques
• Grau: Enginyeria agrària i alimentària
• Grau: Veterinària

Complementary training

Training in Integrated Agricultural and Livestock Production.
Course in Strategies for conversion to organic farming.

Other specific skills

Knowledge of the rural environment and production planning adapted to the environment.
Experience in planning and managing budgets and technical-economic monitoring.

Initiative: Level 4

Leadership: Level 2

People management: Level 3

Planning and organisation: Level 3

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Management

The organisation, administration and control of a company or entity are the main interests of people related to the management field. Activities included in this field of interest vary from effective resource management, feasibility analyses and solving business problems to the development of skills and fostering of motivation in relation to human resources. Knowledge regarding specific techniques of strategic administration and business management are required to carry out these activities.

Responsible for aquaculture operations

Fish pathologist

Expert researcher in new foods

Wine producer

Expert in Food Packaging Applications

• Work hours

  Full-time job, adapted to the demand due to the temporary nature of the agricultural holding.

• Salary

  The salary ranges between 29,400 and 34,300 euros gross per year.
  
  

• Other features

  Agricultural activities have a specific tax regime for the sector.
  
  The productivity of the agricultural sector is subject to the agricultural policies of the European Community, the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), which implies reviews, subsidies or restrictions on production depending on the food.
  
  It is usual to work with subsidies and/or insurance on production.
  
  Traditionally, the structure of the agricultural sector has been based on family agricultural holdings or cooperatives.
  
  Currently, the formation of second-level cooperatives is being promoted in order to integrate different agents of the production chain within the same umbrella or to expand the range of activities to add value to the product (for example, artisan food).
  

• Professional category

  Technician

These professionals can work for third parties as a freelancer or as the owner of the agricultural holding.

• Human resources and equipment

  A covered space is required for management, but most of the working day is carried out outdoors as the operation has to be controlled. Temporary workers are hired at specific times.

• Initial investments

  A management system (software and hardware), a vehicle and a means of communication (phone) will be required. A part of the working day takes place in a physical space of the hiring company, but most of it is undertaken outdoors.
  
  Expenses necessary to start the activity (payment of licences, purchase of computers, office rental, etc.).