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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Persistence
Tasks
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- 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.
- 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 or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Processing Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Geographic information system
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Category Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Oral Comprehension
Skills
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Crop Adviser - Resistance Management SpecialtyCertifying Organization
American Society of Agronomy - ARCPACS
Type
Core
Certificate name
Professional Wetland ScientistCertifying Organization
Society of Wetland Scientists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Board Certified Entomologist - Urban and Industrial EntomologyCertifying Organization
Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Board Certified Entomologist - Medical and Veterinary EntomologyCertifying Organization
Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE)Certifying Organization
Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $49,872 |
| Median (50%) | $72,615 |
| High (90%) | $109,046 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $71,000 |
| Mid Level | $91,108 |
| Senior Level | $103,295 |
| Expert Level | $126,800 |
Employability
There are currently 20,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 21,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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