Soil & Plant Scientists :: Job Description

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Soil & Plant Scientists

Careers / Soil & Plant Scientists

Summary Description


	Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Agronomist

2.	Agronomy Professor

3.	Agronomy Research Manager

4.	Apiculturist

5.	Arboriculturist

6.	Arborist

7.	Botanist

8.	Corn Breeder

9.	Cotton Breeder

10.	Crop and Soil Science Department Chair

11.	Crop Nutrition Scientist

12.	Entomologist

13.	Floriculturist

14.	Genetic Scientist

15.	Horticulture Professor

16.	Horticulturist

17.	Hybrid Corn Breeder

18.	Hydrology Professor

19.	Microbiology Soil Scientist

20.	Physical Hydrologist

21.	Plant Anatomist

22.	Plant Breeder

23.	Plant Breeder, Scientist

24.	Plant Pathologist

25.	Plant Physiologist

26.	Pomologist

27.	Propagator, Scientist

28.	Research Soil Scientist

29.	Soil Expert

30.	Soil Fertility Extension Specialist

31.	Soil Physical Chemistry Professor

32.	Soil Physics Professor

33.	Soil Science Professor

34.	Soil Scientist

35.	Soil Specialist

36.	Viticulturist

Job Tasks

	Communicate research and project results to other professionals and the public, and/or teach related courses, seminars or workshops.

	Provide information and recommendations to farmers and other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, and avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

	Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices, in order to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.

	Develop methods of conserving and managing soil that can be applied by farmers and forestry companies.

	Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease-resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.

	Investigate soil problems and poor water quality to determine sources and effects.

	Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, and soil properties.

	Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, and related technology.

	Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms and changes, and how it interacts with land-based ecosystems and living organisms.

	Identify degraded or contaminated soils, and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, and physical characteristics.

	Survey undisturbed and disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, and conservation and reclamation planning.

	Plan and supervise land conservation and reclamation programs for industrial development projects, and waste management programs for composting and farming.

	Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions and chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.

	Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation and soil conservation.

	Develop new or improved methods and products for controlling and eliminating weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests.

	Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, and/or transporting horticultural products.

	Consult with engineers and other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems, and possible solutions to these problems.

	Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.

	Study insect distribution and habitat, and recommend methods to prevent importation and spread of injurious species.

	Identify and classify species of insects and allied forms, such as mites and spiders.

	Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases, and factors affecting yields of nectar pollen.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Agricultural and Food Scientists
	The work of agricultural and food scientists plays an important part in maintaining the Nation's food supply by ensuring agricultural productivity and the safety of the food supply. Agricultural scientists study farm crops and animals, and develop ways of improving their quantity and quality. They look for ways to improve crop yield with less labor, control pests and weeds more safely and effectively, and conserve soil and water. They research methods of converting raw agricultural commodities into attractive and healthy food products for consumers.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Agricultural and Food Scientists
	Agricultural scientists involved in management or basic research tend to work regular hours in offices and laboratories. The work environment for those engaged in applied research or product development varies, depending on the discipline of agricultural science and on the type of employer. For example, food scientists in private industry may work in test kitchens while investigating new processing techniques. Animal scientists working for Federal, State, or university research stations may spend part of their time at dairies, farrowing houses, feedlots, or farm animal facilities, or outdoors conducting research associated with livestock. Soil and crop scientists also spend time outdoors conducting research on farms and agricultural research stations. Entomologists work in laboratories, insectories, or agricultural research stations, and also may spend time outdoors studying or collecting insects in their natural habitat.

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Interesting Fact

Before becoming an actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg worked as a bricklayer, a bank teller, and even as a makeup artist at a funeral parlor.

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