Soil and Plant Scientists :: Job Description

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Soil and Plant Scientists

Careers / Soil and Plant Scientists

Summary Description


	Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, 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.	Agriculturist

2.	Agronomist

3.	Agronomy Research Manager

4.	Agronomy Specialist

5.	Apiculturist

6.	Arboreal Scientist

7.	Arboriculturist

8.	Arborist

9.	Botanist

10.	Corn Breeder

11.	Cotton Breeder

12.	Crop Nutrition Scientist

13.	Entomologist

14.	Extension Specialist

15.	Field Research Assistant

16.	Floriculturist

17.	Horticulturist

18.	Hybrid Corn Breeder

19.	Microbiology Soil Scientist

20.	On-Site Soil Evaluator

21.	Plant Anatomist

22.	Plant Breeder

23.	Plant Breeder Scientist

24.	Plant Pathologist

25.	Plant Physiologist

26.	Pomologist

27.	Research Soil Scientist

28.	Scientist Propagator

29.	Soil Expert

30.	Soil Fertility Extension Specialist

31.	Soil Scientist

32.	Soil Specialist

33.	Technical Agronomist

34.	Viticulturist

35.	Wholesale Agronomist

Job Tasks

	Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	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. Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

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

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

	Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests. Develop agricultural methods.

	Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects. Research hydrologic features or processes.

	Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms. Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.

	Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products. Research crop management methods.

	Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the effects of alternative practices on the environment. Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

	Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies. Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.

	Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting. Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

	Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders. Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.

	Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity. Research crop management methods.

	Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation. Advise others about land management or conservation.

	Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics. Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.

	Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species. Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems. Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

	Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems. Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.

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

	Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth. Analyze biological samples.

	Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases or factors affecting yields of nectar or pollen. Research diseases or parasites.

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

	Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties. Research geological features or processes.

	Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations. Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.

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

	Conduct research into the use of plant species as green fuels or in the production of green fuels. Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

	Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs for industrial development projects. Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs. Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.

	Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming. Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects. Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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
	Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Agricultural and Food Scientists
	Agricultural and food scientists work in various industries, including colleges and universities, manufacturing, and in scientific research and development. They work in offices, laboratories, and, sometimes, food production facilities. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.

	Read More >>

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