How to become an Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural scientists study commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to improve the productivity and sustainability of farms and agricultural industries.
Personal requirements for an Agricultural Scientist
- Able to analyse and solve problems
- Interested in science and the environment
- Able to make accurate observations
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good organisational skills, with supervisory ability
- Able to work as part of a team
- Good reasoning and problem solving skills
Education & Training for an Agricultural Scientist
To become an agricultural scientist you usually have to complete a degree in agricultural science, or a science degree with a major in agriculture-related studies. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.In some instances, postgraduate studies may be beneficial to obtaining a certain position in agricultural studies. Contact your preferred institution for more information.
Additional information
Graduates of agricultural science or a related discipline may apply to become members of Ag Institute Australia. Becoming a member of the Ag Institute Australia gives you opportunities for personal development and networking in the agricultural science field.
Duties & Tasks of an Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural scientists:
- Collect and analyse data and samples of produce, feed and soil, and study other factors affecting production
- Advise farmers and farm managers about techniques for improving the production of crops and livestock
- Advise farmers about issues such as livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programs
- Study environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth and animal breeding
- Study the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal and crop production
- Develop procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving the efficiency of production
- Manage and study forest resources to maximise their long-term community benefits
- Discover and implement management procedures to handle the impacts of drought, fire, flood, insects, diseases and soil erosion.
Tasks
- Studies the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal, crop and forest production.
- Develops procedures and techniques for solving agricultural or horticultural problems and improving the efficiency of production.
- Studies the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, animal breeding, and the growth and health of forest trees.
Working conditions for an Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural scientists may work in laboratories, in offices, in the field or in a combination of these. Some work alone but most work as members of a team alongside other scientists, farmers and other people involved in providing services to the agricultural industry.
Employment Opportunities for an Agricultural Scientist
Employers include state, territory and federal government departments, and the private sector. Careers are usually in research, advisory roles, teaching, management, administration, marketing and media. Agricultural scientists may work in horticulture and with flower growers, nursery operators and commercial firms trading in horticultural products such as frozen foods, seeds and fertilisers. They may also work in the field of landscape design and in the mining industry to assist with land regeneration.Although employment opportunities exist overseas, positions usually require postgraduate qualifications or work experience.
Specializations
Agricultural scientists who specialise in the wine industry deal with the research and production of wines and the microbiology and chemistry of winemaking. See the separate entry for Winemaker for more information.
Agricultural Adviser
An agricultural adviser assists and advises farmers, agricultural businesses, rural industries and governments in the production, processing and distribution of farm products. They may specialise in areas such as livestock, crops, dairy, fruit and vegetable production, water use, farm economics or land management.
Agricultural Biotechnologist
An agricultural biotechnologist uses techniques such as genetic engineering to improve the quality and diversity of plant and animal products.
Agricultural Entomologist
An agricultural entomologist investigates the causes of insect outbreaks and researches methods to control them through integrated pest management, biological control and chemical processes.
Agricultural Microbiologist
An agricultural microbiologist is involved in the identification and control of disease organisms, often working in specialised areas such as food technology and environmental management.
Agronomist
An agronomist is an expert in agricultural practices, with the aim to increase crop yield and farming profits. This may include specialist positions in research, extension and advice, sales, crop nutrition, soils or farming sustainability.
Animal Scientist
An animal scientist conducts experiments in controlled breeding or embryo manipulation. They investigate the nutritional value of different feeds and the environmental conditions necessary to improve the quality of animal produce.
Crop Physiologist
A crop physiologist studies the mechanisms of normal plant growth and the effects of environmental conditions and chemicals upon them.
Horticultural Scientist
A horticultural scientist applies scientific knowledge to the cultivation and propagation of plants such as fruit, vegetables, berries, flowers, trees, shrubs and crops. They may also work in landscape design to create parks and gardens, with concern for the conservation and preservation of natural resources.
Soil Scientist
A soil scientist studies the biology, chemistry, physics and hydrology of soil systems, and conducts research and advises on matters relating to conservation and management.
Agricultural Adviser
An agricultural adviser assists and advises farmers, agricultural businesses, rural industries and governments in the production, processing and distribution of farm products. They may specialise in areas such as livestock, crops, dairy, fruit and vegetable production, water use, farm economics or land management.
Agricultural Biotechnologist
An agricultural biotechnologist uses techniques such as genetic engineering to improve the quality and diversity of plant and animal products.
Agricultural Entomologist
An agricultural entomologist investigates the causes of insect outbreaks and researches methods to control them through integrated pest management, biological control and chemical processes.
Agricultural Microbiologist
An agricultural microbiologist is involved in the identification and control of disease organisms, often working in specialised areas such as food technology and environmental management.
Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural scientists study commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to improve the productivity and sustainability of farms and agricultural industries.
Agronomist
An agronomist is an expert in agricultural practices, with the aim to increase crop yield and farming profits. This may include specialist positions in research, extension and advice, sales, crop nutrition, soils or farming sustainability.
Animal Scientist
An animal scientist conducts experiments in controlled breeding or embryo manipulation. They investigate the nutritional value of different feeds and the environmental conditions necessary to improve the quality of animal produce.
Crop Physiologist
A crop physiologist studies the mechanisms of normal plant growth and the effects of environmental conditions and chemicals upon them.
Horticultural Scientist
A horticultural scientist applies scientific knowledge to the cultivation and propagation of plants such as fruit, vegetables, berries, flowers, trees, shrubs and crops. They may also work in landscape design to create parks and gardens, with concern for the conservation and preservation of natural resources.
Soil Scientist
A soil scientist studies the biology, chemistry, physics and hydrology of soil systems, and conducts research and advises on matters relating to conservation and management.
Average age
41
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
31% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
85%
Employment Size
3,400
Employment by state
ACT: 1.6%
NSW: 24.9%
NT: 0.8%
QLD: 23.7%
SA: 11.3%
TAS: 4.3%
VIC: 20.1%
WA: 13.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.3%
20-24: 7.5%
25-34: 25.6%
35-44: 27.4%
45-54: 21.7%
55-59: 9.3%
60-64: 5.1%
65 and Over: 3.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10.8%
Bachelor degree: 50.5%
Certificate III/IV: 1.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 30.6%
Year 10 and below: 1.3%
Year 11: 0.3%
Year 12: 4.7%
