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Soil and Plant Scientists - 19-1013.00

O*NET-SOC 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 of Reported Job Titles

  • Soil Scientist
  • Agronomy Research Manager
  • Crop Nutrition Scientist
  • Microbiology Soil Scientist
  • Physical Hydrologist
  • Research Soil Scientist
  • Soil Fertility Extension Specialist

SOC Occupation Groups

19-0000 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1000 Life Scientists
19-1010 Agricultural and Food Scientists
19-1013.00 Soil and Plant Scientists

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
  • Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
  • Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases or factors affecting yields of nectar or pollen.
  • 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.
  • Conduct research into the use of plant species as green fuels or in the production of green fuels.
  • Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
  • Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
  • Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
  • Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
  • Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
  • Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
  • Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
  • Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
  • Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders.
  • Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the effects of alternative practices on the environment.
  • Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
  • Investigate soil problems and poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
  • Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.
  • Plan and supervise land conservation and reclamation programs for industrial development projects, and waste management programs for composting and farming.
  • Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
  • 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.
  • Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.
  • Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species.
  • Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
  • Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
  • Survey undisturbed or disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, conservation planning, or reclamation planning.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • advise clients or customers
  • advise governmental or industrial personnel
  • analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
  • analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • artificially inseminate livestock
  • breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types
  • classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • collect statistical data
  • communicate technical information
  • conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
  • conduct field research or investigative studies
  • conduct laboratory research or experiments
  • conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
  • conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • confer with research personnel
  • confer with scientists
  • develop new products based on scientific research results
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
  • develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
  • direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
  • examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • follow microbiology procedures
  • identify crop characteristics
  • identify insect characteristics
  • identify plant characteristics
  • identify properties of soil or water samples
  • interpret aerial photographs
  • isolate and identify micro-organisms
  • judge soil conditions
  • make decisions
  • make presentations
  • monitor climatic or soil conditions
  • monitor soil responses to management practices
  • perform statistical analysis
  • plan scientific research or investigative studies
  • prepare biological specimens for examination
  • prepare reports
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • provide advice on rural or urban land use
  • read maps
  • recognize plant diseases
  • recommend further study or action based on research data
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • resolve agricultural production problems
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • use biological research techniques
  • use biological testing instruments
  • use chemical testing or analysis procedures
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of relevant laws
  • use laboratory equipment
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use microscope
  • use plant disease control techniques
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • write research or project grant proposals
  • write scholarly or technical research papers

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Horticulturist

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Agronomist
  • Apiculturist
  • Botanist
  • Entomologist
  • Horticulturist
  • Plant Breeder
  • Plant Pathologist
  • Soil Scientist