Life As a Soil and Plant Scientist
Soil & Plant Scientist Job 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.
Soil & Plant Scientist Responsibilities
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species.
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.
- Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
- Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Soil & Plant Scientist Should Know How to Do
Soil and Plant Scientists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Soil and Plant Scientist
- Corn Breeder
- Technical Agronomist
- Field Research Assistant
- Arborist
- Soil Expert
Is There Job Demand for Soil and Plant Scientists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,900 jobs in the United States for Soil and Plant Scientist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,800 new jobs for Soil and Plant Scientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,200 positions for Soil & Plant Scientist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Soil & Plant Scientist are Nevada, Kansas, and North Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wyoming, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Soil & Plant Scientist
The average yearly salary of a Soil & Plant Scientist ranges between $38,570 and $115,400.
Soil and Plant Scientists who work in Maryland, Massachusetts, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,130 |
| Alaska | $69,210 |
| Arizona | $74,420 |
| Arkansas | $75,440 |
| California | $80,710 |
| Colorado | $56,990 |
| Connecticut | $85,210 |
| Delaware | $56,870 |
| District of Columbia | $88,840 |
| Florida | $64,230 |
| Georgia | $65,820 |
| Hawaii | $68,550 |
| Idaho | $70,940 |
| Illinois | $58,950 |
| Indiana | $59,850 |
| Iowa | $79,650 |
| Kansas | $57,260 |
| Kentucky | $67,690 |
| Louisiana | $68,100 |
| Maine | $60,630 |
| Maryland | $98,880 |
| Massachusetts | $86,160 |
| Michigan | $54,800 |
| Minnesota | $74,130 |
| Mississippi | $90,700 |
| Missouri | $53,030 |
| Montana | $65,010 |
| Nebraska | $57,320 |
| Nevada | $71,490 |
| New Jersey | $71,730 |
| New Mexico | $57,840 |
| New York | $83,530 |
| North Carolina | $72,890 |
| North Dakota | $75,800 |
| Ohio | $56,220 |
| Oklahoma | $42,430 |
| Oregon | $69,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,440 |
| South Dakota | $59,200 |
| Tennessee | $56,980 |
| Texas | $68,150 |
| Utah | $59,590 |
| Virginia | $68,660 |
| Washington | $72,660 |
| West Virginia | $53,950 |
| Wisconsin | $59,560 |
What Tools do Soil and Plant Scientists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Soil and Plant Scientists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- SAS
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- R
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- STATISTICA
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- GAEA Technologies WinSieve
- SoilVision Systems SVOFFICE
How do I Become a Soil & Plant Scientist?
Individuals working as a Soil and Plant Scientist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Soil & Plant Scientist?
Soil and Plant Scientists Sector
Soil and Plant Scientists work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many Soil and Plant Scientist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: W.carter via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.