Meet The Pro: Jacob Tomlinson, Agriculture Service Technician
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 21, 2024
Hometown: Beebe
Age: 27
Where I Trained: HVAC-certified and Level 3 John Deere-certified at Greenway Equipment
Job Title: Agriculture Service Technician
Employer: Greenway Equipment
Jacob Tomlinson was first introduced to the agricultural industry after he left his traditional four-year college. He immediately knew he wanted to pursue this career when he realized he could use the skills he had already mastered.
Playing football in high school at Harding Academy in Memphis set him up for success in his career. Football and becoming an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts taught him the importance of dedication and hard work, even when he’s being challenged.
“I am a hands-on learner,” Jacob said. “I learn best from doing a process step by step instead of reading about it and taking a test on it.”
Jacob was able to train on the job while also attending classes for a certification at Arkansas State University-Beebe.
"One of the biggest things is [the certification program] offers a place to mess up without the pressure of messing up on the job," he said. "You get experience in a controlled environment.”
Jacob’s daily responsibilities include maintaining, servicing and repairing tractors, combines, implements, side-by-sides, and other farm equipment. He said the difficult part is learning the nuances that each different machine has with John Deere. No two models of a machine are exactly alike, so he’s frequently relearning and researching the new equipment.
Jacob said he enjoys the satisfaction of helping customers get the job done, and that his favorite part is the "environment and the people I meet."
The good pay is a perk too. After going full-time, he was able to purchase a house and be financially independent at 27 years old.
“The advice I would give [to students considering this path] is to be flexible,” Jacob said. “Be willing to work with others, and work really hard.”
MORE ABOUT THE JOB
Education Needed:
Associate Degree
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- You enjoy tinkering on cars and gadgets
- You always loved summer camp crafts and STEM projects
- You love fixing things for friends
- A desk job is not in your plans
Related Jobs
Food Science Technicians
Associate Degree | $49,410
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Associate Degree | $70,430
Job Demand
► Employment is projected to increase 8% by 2030
► 560 Ag Techs are expected to be employed in Arkansas by 2030.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$70,430 Annual
Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
$47,440 Annual
WHERE TO LEARN
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Greenway Equipment
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- East Arkansas Community College
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
WHERE TO WORK
- Greenway Equipment
Sources: careeronestop.org
