Agricultural Scientists

At a Glance

Study plants and soils
Are also called agronomists
Work both indoors and outdoors
Often work alone
Have at least a bachelor's degree

Career summary

Agricultural scientists study plants and soils. They use science to protect, develop, and manage these resources.

Agricultural scientists are also known as fruit and plant scientists, plant pathologists, agronomists, and soil scientists.

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Agricultural scientists use the principles of biology, chemistry, and other sciences to solve problems in agriculture. They study:

Crops
Insects
Soil use

Agricultural scientists study plants and soils to develop ways of improving food quantity and quality. They look for ways to improve how crops are grown. They also try to find ways to grow crops using less labor and chemicals.

Agricultural scientists try to find better, safer ways to control pests and weeds. They also study ways to conserve soil and water. They research ways of turning raw agricultural products into attractive and healthy food products for consumers.

Agricultural scientists may also work in range systems, meaning they work with livestock as well as plants and soil.

Another name for scientists who work with plants or crops is agronomists. Agronomists develop methods of growing crops with higher yields and improved characteristics. Sometimes agronomists use genetic engineering to develop crops which are resistant to pests and drought.

Agronomists identify and classify the insects that affect crops. They may research ways to develop new pesticides or other ways to keep bugs from spreading.

Soil scientists study what soil is made of and how different soils affect crops. In addition, they study how soil is managed while growing crops. This includes how soils respond to fertilizer and crop rotation. Soil scientists also develop ways to protect the soil.

Using the results of their studies, they provide information to farmers and other landowners about the best use of land. They recommend how to avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Life Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to agricultural scientists.

Communicate research and project results to other professionals and the public.
Teach courses, seminars, or workshops.
Provide information and recommend changes to farmers and other landowners about the best way to use land.
Conduct experiments to develop new or improved crops. Record findings.
Study plant and soil characteristics and problems.
Develop environmentally safe technology to reduce pests or weeds and to conserve or alter soil.
Perform chemical analysis to see how soil affects plant growth.
Manage marketing or production for companies.
Identify and classify species of insects.
Survey disturbed and undisturbed lands for mapping, conservation, and reclamation planning.
Supervise conservation and reclamation projects for a variety of purposes.

Common work activities

Agricultural scientists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Analyze data or information
Update and use job-related knowledge
Process information
Get information needed to do the job
Use computers
Document and record information
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Identify objects, actions, and events
Make decisions and solve problems
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Explain the meaning of information to others
Establish and maintain relationships
Think creatively
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Communicate with people outside the organization
Schedule work and activities
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Develop goals and strategies
Teach others
Monitor and control resources
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Develop and build teams
Provide advice and consultation to others
Evaluate information against standards
Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, agricultural scientists:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of contact with people.
Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They write letters and memos, but less often.
Regularly work as part of a team.
Are somewhat responsible for the work performed by others.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical work conditions

Spend time outdoors conducting research at farms, and also work indoors in the lab.
May work indoors in areas where there isn't temperature control, such as in a barn.
Occasionally wear protective or safety attire.
May travel to and from work sites in a van, car, or truck.

Work performance

Must be very exact in running tests and be sure that they follow the details and complete all tasks. Otherwise, the results of the tests may be useless.
Make decisions that impact coworkers and their company on a monthly basis.
Make most of their decisions independently, without feedback from a superior.
Set most of their daily tasks and goals without feedback from a supervisor.
Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which monthly deadlines must be met.
Sometimes repeat the same mental and physical tasks.

Hours/travel

May work 40 hours a week in offices and laboratories.
May work overtime when solving problems.
May experience competition if researching new products for private companies.
May travel to local or regional farms.

Physical demands

Agricultural scientists frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for agricultural scientists to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for agricultural scientists to be able to:

See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Determine the distance between objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

Skills and abilities

Agricultural scientists need to:

Communicate

Understand written information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Understand spoken information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Write clearly so other people can understand.
Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Use scientific methods to solve problems.
Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Use math skills to solve problems.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Teach others how to do something.
Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an agricultural scientist, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have at least a bachelor's degree in agriculture science.

Education after high school

A bachelor's degree in agricultural science is required for jobs in research. In agricultural science, you study communications, economics, and business. You also take courses in physical and life sciences, plant pathology, and soil chemistry. In addition, you study plant physiology and biochemistry.

A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. To earn an advanced degree you complete more courses, do fieldwork, and do laboratory research. More jobs will require advanced degrees in the future.

All states have land-grant colleges that offer agricultural science degrees. However, not all colleges offer every specialty area.

Work experience

Previous work experience in a particular research area may be required for some jobs.

On-the-job training

In some work places, additional on-the-job training is offered to acclimate new employees to the particular work site and project. This training usually lasts a few months at most.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum (external link) may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Agronomy
Animal Science
Computer Applications
Horticulture
Plant and Soil Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers in food science and technology hire applicants with a bachelor's degree to do applied research. The federal government hires bachelor's degree holders as soil scientists. Employers in businesses that work with farmers and ranchers also hire applicants with a bachelor's degree. These businesses who hire agricultural scientists are usually retailers, wholesalers, or farm credit institutions. Positions they hire for include manager, sales agent, product inspector, or purchasing agent.

Many employers prefer to hire people with a degree in agricultural science. Others may hire people with science degrees in biology, chemistry, or physics.

Employers who hire agricultural scientists to teach at colleges or universities prefer someone who holds a doctoral degree (PhD).

Employers prefer to hire agricultural scientists who are able to work independently or as part of a team. They also look for people who can communicate clearly, both in speaking and writing. Scientists may also need to have an understanding of business. For example, some agricultural scientists help farmers improve the quantity of their production and reduce their costs.

Tips

Summer jobs in the following areas are helpful: internships with county extension offices or the Natural Resources Conservation Service; technical help in agricultural, chemical, or fertilizer companies; or farm experience. Attending career fairs and agricultural industry seminars is also helpful. Computer skills are mandatory and advanced computer skills are a plus. Concentration on the environmental aspects of agricultural science may provide better opportunities. Willingness to relocate and learn new job duties may be necessary for some positions.

Costs to workers

Many join professional associations and pay annual dues. Agricultural scientists, who apply pesticides or provide pesticide consulting services while working for a government agency, must be licensed by the state and pay an annual fee. Other expenses include reference books and seminars or college classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Licensing/certification

Agricultural scientists are not licensed in Washington. Optional certification is available through the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, listed in the Other Resources section of this description. Jobs with the US Forest Service may require passing a background investigation and fingerprint check. Agricultural scientists who provide pesticide consulting services while working as a government employee or apply pesticides must have a license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

For information on pesticide application licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division (external link)
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
877.301.4555

#Updated website address and checked other info 3/17/04 CJ. Looks like POB in pest-address changed, so made change to the insert file on the Update (U:) drive on the network 1/30/18 cj.

#Checked that NAICC still offers certification and verified licensing info we give, 2/27/06 & 2/13/08, & 2/3/10, CJ./ /

#no change 3/1/09 lh; or as of 2/6/12 cj; No change to existing info; added Forest Service note after seeing USFS Soil Scientist jobs that required fingerprints & background checks, 1/31/14 cj. Licensing section ok 2/2/16 & 1/30/18 cj. 4/11/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Soil and Plant Scientists

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Soil and plant scientists (SOC 19-1013)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$21.24	$26.64	$32.71	$40.07	$50.36
	Monthly	$3,681	$4,617	$5,669	$6,944	$8,727
	Yearly	$44,170	$55,410	$68,050	$83,350	$104,750
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$28.73	$34.88	$45.59	$55.31	$70.70
	Monthly	$4,979	$6,045	$7,901	$9,585	$12,252
	Yearly	$59,761	$72,554	$94,823	$115,031	$147,062
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$23.03	$27.83	$33.75	$41.79	$50.44
	Monthly	$3,991	$4,823	$5,849	$7,242	$8,741
	Yearly	$47,921	$57,880	$70,190	$86,905	$104,920
Vancouver	Hourly	$11.25	$20.37	$34.16	$43.56	$49.00
	Monthly	$1,950	$3,530	$5,920	$7,549	$8,492
	Yearly	$23,396	$42,364	$71,068	$90,605	$101,911
Yakima	Hourly	$21.17	$23.80	$28.33	$36.58	$56.62
	Monthly	$3,669	$4,125	$4,910	$6,339	$9,812
	Yearly	$44,045	$49,504	$58,941	$76,069	$117,771
United States	Hourly	$18.54	$23.52	$30.74	$40.42	$55.48
	Monthly	$3,213	$4,076	$5,327	$7,005	$9,615
	Yearly	$38,570	$48,910	$63,950	$84,060	$115,400

Agricultural scientists who have a PhD earn more than those with a master's or bachelor's degree. Agricultural scientists who work for the federal government are paid on a stair step pay scale. The more education and experience they have, the more they are paid. Federal employees need to apply and take a test to move up the scale.

Agricultural scientists who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include paid vacation, health and dental insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The outlook in Washington depends on the expansion of agricultural and soil-related research. Much will depend on the demand for agricultural scientists by public and private enterprises, particularly in the areas of environmental quality control and land use planning.

Biotechnological developments in the state may cause growth in the number of jobs in research with private industry. Emphasis on sustainable agriculture, which relies on soil conservation and reduced use of pesticides and fertilizer, may create some opportunity for agricultural scientists. Environmental issues and regulations that affect agriculture may increase the demand for consultants who can assist farmers in understanding and complying with related legislation.

There is also some demand in the seed production and technology area for trained agricultural scientists. Most soil scientists work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service which is part of the US Department of Agriculture.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Soil and Plant Scientists (SOC 19-1013)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	549	7.8%	16.1%	64
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	66	7.6%	13.4%	7
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	22	4.5%	8.6%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	29	6.9%	15.0%	3
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	10	10.0%	14.6%	1
King County	259	5.4%	19.6%	28
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	29	34.5%	13.8%	5
Pierce County	38	15.8%	15.2%	5
Snohomish County	16	12.5%	12.4%	2
Spokane County	15	20.0%	13.9%	2
United States	18,000	7.8%	5.2%	2,200

National employment

Agricultural scientists work in varied settings. Those who work for the federal government are mainly with the Department of Agriculture. Others work for state governments and help farmers and others who need information. Some agricultural scientists work for seed or food product companies.

Major employers:

Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Federal, state, and local government agencies
Research and testing services

National outlook

Growth for this occupation is driven by demand for new food products and increased food safety. Most growth in this occupation will be in the private sector as companies develop new food product, drugs, and crops. Research will also be necessary as insects adapt to pesticides, and as soil and water quality decrease.

Other resources

AgCareers.com
Western USA Office
866.519.7445

AgForLife

Agriculture Council of America
11020 King Street, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66210
913.491.1895

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
600 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20024

American Institute of Biological Sciences
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500

American Society for Horticultural Science
1018 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.4606

American Society of Agronomy
5585 Guilford Road
Madison, WI 53711
608.273.8080

American Society of Plant Biologists

AmericanHort

Botanical Society of America
4344 Shaw Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.577.9566

Careers in Botany
(from The Botanical Society of America)

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Entomological Society of America
3 Park Place, Suite 307
Annapolis, MD 21401
301.731.4535

Grow Your Future
(from the Crop Science Society of America)

Horticultural Research Institute
525 - 9th Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20004
202.789.2900

Institute of Food Technologists
525 West Van Buren, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
312.782.8424

National Academy of Sciences Interviews

National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants
100 Pineberry Drive
Vonore, TN 37885
901.861.0511

National Farmers Organization
528 Billy Sunday Road, Suite 100
PO Box 2508
Ames, IA 50010
800.247.2110

National Science Foundation
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Science Careers

Society for Range Management
6901 South Pierce Street, Suite 230
Littleton, CO 80128
303.986.3309

Soil Science Society of America
5585 Guilford Road
Madison, WI 53711-5801
608.273.8080

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The American Phytopathological Society
3340 Pilot Knob Road
St. Paul, MN 55121
651.454.7250

USDA Forest Service Research & Development

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services

Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (Vesta)

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair

What is a Plant Pathologist?

References

Career cluster

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

Investigative (Science)

O*Net occupation

Soil and Plant Scientists (19-1013.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.