Agricultural Scientists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Agriculture industry nowadays is greatly improved compared to methods used before by farmers. There are more improvements and discoveries that will be revealed in the future because of continuous studies by agricultural scientists. These people are committed in studying the relationship of animals and plants to the environment. Agricultural scientists are divided into different areas of specialization which include agronomists, botanists, horticulturists, plant breeders, plant pathologists, animal scientists, dairy scientists, poultry scientists, animal breeders, food scientists and food technologists.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Courses in Foreign Language, English, Government and Mathematics are included in classes that will help in preparing an individual to become an agricultural scientists. Science courses like Chemistry, Biology and Physics are needed also. They need to know about a bit of programming so Computer classes are also important. The educational requirement is very high for agricultural scientists. For entry-level jobs, such as inspecting or testing technicians, an individual should have a Bachelor’s degree. Those with advance degrees have a chance of being promoted easily to the next levels. An applicant can pursue any degree which is related to Biological Science and Agriculture. Certification is voluntary which can be obtained from the Federation of Certifying Boards in Agriculture, Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Skills and Abilities
Those who are aspiring to become an agricultural scientist must be self-motivated. Agricultural scientists should be effective in working alone and knows how to be part of a team. It is important that they are curious about the environment and the nature of the living things.
They should be systematic and organized especially in their work habits . Their approach in experiments and investigations should be systematic also. It is essential that they are persistent and would continue experimenting over and over again until it becomes successful. Field research is necessary and because of this, agricultural scientists should be physically fit .
Duties
Agricultural scientists are involved in investigating food-crop problems. Conducting experiments and developing new techniques to grow crops are done to increase production. Their responsibility also involves improving methods of feeding, breeding, controlling disease and housing of farm animals. They work in laboratories and conduct some test that is needed in knowing genetics of animals.It is their duty to be familiar with different tools, equipment and techniques in agricultural research. They study soil types and crop rotation. They study the environment and how the crops react to it. Agricultural scientists need to consult farmers about effective land use and environmental quality.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The salary of an agricultural scientist depends on their job performance, education and experience. Average salary is approximately at $50,840 yearly. New developments in processing agricultural products to different consumer needs will create job opportunities for agricultural scientists. They will be required in the fields of genetics, sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 505 Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 Time: 11:02 AM
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