Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, 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.

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

• Communicate research and project results to other professionals and the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
• Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, and interacts with land-based ecosystems and living organisms.
• Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases, and factors affecting yields of nectar 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 to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
• Consult with engineers and other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
• Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, and related technology.
• Develop methods of conserving and managing soil that can be applied by farmers and forestry companies.
• Develop new or improved methods and products for controlling and eliminating weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests.
• Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
• Identify and classify species of insects and allied forms, such as mites and spiders.
• Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, and physical characteristics.
• 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 and 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 and soil conservation.
• Provide information and recommendations to farmers and other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, and avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
• Study insect distribution and habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation and spread of injurious species.
• Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, and soil properties.
• Survey undisturbed and disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, and conservation and reclamation planning.

• 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