OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE Soil and Plant Scientist (19-1013.00) ®.v. At-a-Glance Statistics & Sample Agronomist, Agronomy Research Manager, Agronomy Specialist, Crop Nutrition . . Scientist, Extension Specialist, Microbiology Soil Scientist, On-Site Soil Evaluator, JOD I ItieS Research Soil Scientist, Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, Soil Scientist Key Tasks • Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops. • 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. • Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests. • 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. • Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests. • Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects. • Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms. • Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products. • Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the effects of alternative practices on the environment. • Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies. All data sourced fromO'NET OnLine (2018) https./Avww .onetonline.org/. ------- Education and Training Top Industries Doctoral Degree 44% Master's Degree 26% Bachelor's Degree 15% Median Wages Hourly $30.74 EH Annually $63,950 ft Educational Services Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Number Employed 18,000 positions 2,200 job openings Top Ten States for Occupational Percentage Growth KS NC CO OR MN MO UT CA AZ TX ------- |