Agricultural scientist
Also known as: bio-technical research scientist in agriculture, agricultural development consultant, agricultural biotechnology research scientist, researcher in agriculture science, research scientist, agriculture, agricultural quality scientist
About this occupation
Agricultural scientists research and study soil, animals and plants with the objective of improving agricultural processes, the quality of agricultural products or the impact of agricultural processes on the environment. They plan and implement projects such as development projects on behalf of clients or institutions.
Essential skills and knowledge
- project management principles
- livestock farming systems
- environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry
- monitor the farm environmental management plan
- research livestock production
- perform market research
- educate on recycling regulations
- advise on soil and water protection
- provide advice to hatcheries
- report pollution incidents
- provide advice to farmers
- make improvements to work activities
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Agricultural Engineers (O*NET 17-2021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
- Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
- Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
- Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
- Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
- Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$98,590 a year (2025), 1,480 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.3)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.1)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Engineers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Industrial Engineers
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.