Agricultural Scientists may be grouped into two major categories: those concerned with soil and things grown in soil, and those concerned with animals and animal products. They do basic research in plant and animal sciences and applied research to improve the quality and yield of plants and animals.

JOB DUTIES

Agronomists (Soil and Plant Scientists) may:

Study crop production to discover the best method of planting, cultivating, and harvesting

Communicate research projects and results to other professionals and the public

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

Develop methods of controlling field-crop problems such as weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests

Experiment with breeding to develop and improve varieties

Investigate the effects of climate on crops

Analyze soils to determine ways of increasing yields and decreasing soil erosion

To see soil scientists at work click here.

Animal Scientists may:

Determine feed requirements of animals under varying conditions of work or production

Communicate findings to the community

Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes

Develop improved practices in animal housing, sanitation, and disease control

Control breeding practices to improve strains of animals

Agricultural Scientists may teach, supervise graduate students and faculty members, and work as consultants.

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Other Agricultural Scientists may specialize in these areas:

040.061-010 AGRONOMISTS work with field crops, such as cereals and grains, legumes and grasses, tobacco, and cotton.

040.061-014 ANIMAL SCIENTISTS conduct research on the selection, breeding, feeding, management, and health of domestic farm animals.

040.061-038 HORTICULTURISTS work with fruit, vegetable, greenhouse and nursery crops, and ornamental plants. They seek improved quality, yield, resistance to disease, and adaptability.

040.061-058 SOIL SCIENTISTS study soil characteristics to determine how soil should be used and the effects of different practices on soil productivity.

040.061-018 DAIRY SCIENTISTS conduct research in the selection, breeding, feeding, and management of dairy cattle.

040.061-042 POULTRY SCIENTISTS conduct research in the breeding, feeding, and management of poultry. They also study the effects of management and processing on eggs and other poultry products.

041.061-082 PLANT BREEDERS plan and carry out breeding studies to develop and improve crops and plants used to produce fuel, medicines, or other products.

041.061-018 APICULTURISTS study the culture and breeding of bees.

041.081-010 FOOD TECHNOLOGISTS investigate the chemical, physical, and biological properties of food and apply this knowledge to develop new or improved methods of food processing, production, quality control, packaging, and distribution.

Some Agricultural Scientists work in the emerging field of biotechnology. Scientifically engineered biological systems (biotechnology) are now used in agriculture to make diagnostic tests for infections and contaminants in plants, animals, and foods. Agricultural Scientists may teach, supervise graduate students and faculty members, and work as consultants.

041.061-014 ANIMAL BREEDER

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Agricultural Scientists may conduct independent research or work on research teams. They may work under administrators or manage planning programs. Generally, Agricultural Scientists have frequent contact with other scientists.

Working conditions vary widely depending on the work performed. Work areas range from clean and comfortable laboratories, offices, classrooms, farms, agricultural research stations, and other outdoor areas with varying weather conditions. These Scientists may find that handling large animals, working with farm equipment, and using various chemicals can be hazardous.

Scientists working for business firms or government agencies usually work a 40-hour week. Those employed by colleges in teaching and research have more flexible hours, but may attend meetings or work on projects in the evenings. Scientists who manage farms may work very long hours to run a profitable operation. Agricultural Scientists might have to travel, depending on the type of work.

Agricultural Scientists may belong to various societies or associations, such as the American Society of Agronomy and the National Association of American Animal Breeders. Scientists who belong to associations must pay membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities of an abstract and creative nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic and follow step-by-step procedures

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

• Work independently or as part of a team

• Be precise in research and in keeping records

• Notice slight differences in sizes, shapes, and textures

• Express information clearly, both orally and in writing

• Evaluate information against verifiable criteria

• Plan, direct, and control, an entire activity or activities of others

• Visualize solid objects from flat drawings or pictures

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

So far this month, it has rained 4 days out of 25 days. Due to this probability frequency, what is the probability of it raining tomorrow?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Although carbon ranks only twelfth in abundance among the elements and constitutes less than 0.1% of the earth's crust, oceans, and atmosphere, the number of its compounds far exceeds that of all known inorganic compounds.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write summary reports concerning any experiment or observation that you might have conducted.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to brainstorm ideas for better animal housing, sanitation, and disease control.

A Ph.D. degree in an agricultural science specialty is usually required for college teaching, independent research and advancement to many administrative and management jobs. Applied research may require a Master's degree and some sales, production management, inspection, and other non research jobs may require a Bachelor's degree. Degrees in related sciences (biology, chemistry, or physics) or in related engineering specialties may also be acceptable. Civil Service positions may require passing an examination.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

008 AGRICULTURE

Programs in Agriculture provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in food, livestock, and plant production. Program specializations include agronomy, soil science, animal science, dairy science, poultry science, horticulture, agricultural economics, plant science, farm management, and agricultural business. Individuals who teach agriculture at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within programs will vary but may include:

Economics

Agriculture in Economic Development

Agriculture Production

Industrial Organization of Agriculture Markets

Animal Husbandry

Physical Principles of Plant & Animal Environment

Agriculture Trade Policies

Management of Agricultural Enterprises

Soil Management

210 PACKAGING

Programs in Packaging provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the packaging industry. Jobs may deal with product/package damage in the physical distribution environment, packaging systems and materials, development, and distribution packaging.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com.

LIFE SCIENTISTS

The military conducts studies of human and animal diseases to understand their causes and to find treatments. Harmful pests and bacteria are studied to find ways to protect people and food against illness or infection. Life scientists study the biology and chemistry of living organisms.

What They Do

Life scientists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study bacteria and parasites to determine how they invade and affect humans or animals

• Study the effects of drugs, chemicals, and gases on living organisms

• Study ways of protecting humans through immunization from disease

• Direct blood banks and study blood chemistry

• Study the effects of aerospace flight, temperature, and movement on human physiology

• Study food storage and handling methods

• Study ways of keeping bases and ships free from pests

• Conduct experiments and write technical reports

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Some specialties require a master's degree or medical degree.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation. However, advanced courses are available in some specialties.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific work

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely

• Interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical research

• Interest in collecting and analyzing scientific data

Work Environment

Life scientists work in medical, clinical, and research laboratories and, at times, in food processing or storage plants. They may work outdoors while conducting field work on land or aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian life scientists work for universities, government agencies, medical laboratories, blood banks, pharmaceutical firms, and chemical companies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military life scientists. Depending on their specialty, civilian life scientists may be called biochemists, biologists, entomologists, immunologists, medical technologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, toxicologists, or veterinarians.

Opportunities

The services have about 500 life scientists. On average, they need 30 new life scientists are normally assigned to a laboratory, where they conduct research under the direction of more experienced scientists. In time, life scientists may manage their own research projects and direct other officers. Eventually, they may become directors of research laboratories or hold other senior management positions in the health research field.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some idea of the working conditions and problems facing farmers can be obtained through summer or part-time work on farms or research labs. Postsecondary programs in agriculture or packaging may offer co-op or internship opportunities. Related training in military service may provide experience also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Agricultural Scientist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Agricultural Scientist employer

community service work with an agency

To find a job as an Agricultural Scientist, apply directly to civil service personnel offices, business concerns, or colleges and universities. For assistance in locating job openings, contact your college placement office. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Society of Animal Science  

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Agricultural Scientists depend on their education and professional experience, individual ability, area of specialization, and the type of employer.

Nationally, college graduates with a bachelor's degree in agricultural science were offered average annual salaries of $34,699 in early 2009. Those with a master's degree were offered an average of $49,853.

Most Agricultural Scientists entering employment with the federal government (2009) started at salaries of $27,026 or $33,477 per year, depending on their academic record and level of education. They could advance to positions with salaries of up to $127,604 or more per year.

Graduates of Crop & Soil Sciences at a large university in Michigan (late 2009) were offered average annual salaries between $30,000 and $46,000 a year.

The highest median salaries were earned by those who work for manufacturers/suppliers of processing equipment and packaging materials. The next highest were earned by those who work for food/beverage manufacturers/processors and food ingredient manufacturers/suppliers. The lowest salaries were earned by those who work for educational institutions, government, contract processors/packagers and independent testing laboratories.

Agricultural Scientists employed by the State of Michigan (mid 2009) earned the following annual salaries:

Most salaried Agricultural Scientists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and paid sick leave. Some companies may also provide savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at east in part, by the employer.

Most Agricultural Scientists employed by government agencies or business firms begin as junior Scientists or assistants. In civil service employment, Agricultural Scientists generally advance in a regulated way receiving in-grade salary increases and promotions to higher grades with increased responsibilities. In business firms, Agricultural Scientists can advance to supervisory or managerial positions.

Agricultural Scientists who operate successful farms may consider increased earnings as advancement. Agricultural Scientists associated with colleges and universities may follow the typical pattern of advancement for teachers and administrators in those institutions.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

In 2006, there were about 15,750 Agricultural Scientists employed nationally. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Additionally, about 17.7% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Agricultural Scientists looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Employment of Agricultural Scientists involved in research may grow rapidly in private industry as advances, such as recombinant DNA, now being made in biotechnology, are applied to agriculture. Employment will be best for those Scientists with special or technical knowledge or a degree with related experience. The best employment opportunities in agricultural science should be for applicants with advanced degrees.

There were about 170 Agricultural Scientists employed in Michigan.

The employment of Agricultural Scientists in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Less than 10 average annual openings is expected each year.  Additional openings will occur to replace Scientists who transfer to other occupations.

Opportunities for employment are expected due to increased research on new uses for farm and forest products and because of efforts to increase production and control disease in agriculture and fisheries, either with conventional breeding techniques or through genetic engineering. Legislation controlling the use of food additives and concern about the effects on humans of chemicals and antibiotics used in food production will also increase demand for Agricultural Scientists. Levels of government spending affect employment growth for Agricultural Scientists.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth