Agricultural Scientist
SOC 19-1011.00 · ESCO 2132 · OSCA 244132
Role snapshot
Overview
Conducts research on crop yields, soil health, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. Designs field experiments, analyses data, and publishes findings that help farmers and policymakers make evidence-based decisions, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.
Contributes to global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability for farmers by developing innovative and efficient agricultural methods and technologies.
On the job
- Design and implement field and laboratory experiments to test agricultural hypotheses.
- Collect and analyze data on crop growth, soil composition, and pest incidence.
- Develop and recommend sustainable farming practices, such as integrated pest management or precision agriculture.
- Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences.
- Collaborate with farmers, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to apply research outcomes.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural science, agronomy, soil science, or a related field is typically required. A Ph.D. may be necessary for advanced research positions.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Agricultural Scientist
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · IRC
People who enjoy systematic inquiry, hands-on scientific work, and structured data analysis to solve practical problems in agriculture tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Inquisitive
Enjoys exploring complex biological and environmental systems to uncover new knowledge.
Methodical
Approaches research with systematic planning, attention to detail, and thorough execution.
Reserved
Prefers working independently or in small, focused teams, rather than extensive public interaction.
Cooperative
Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve common research and agricultural goals.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure and objectivity when experiments face challenges or results are unexpected.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about applying scientific principles to agricultural challenges.
- Those who enjoy a mix of intellectual investigation and practical, hands-on work.
- People who are detail-oriented, persistent, and driven by scientific discovery.
Watch out for
- Requires patience for long-term experiments and potentially slow research cycles.
- Some field work can be physically demanding or occur in challenging weather conditions.
- Grant writing and funding acquisition can be a significant part of the role.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Agricultural Scientist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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