Soil & Plant Scientists

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.

On the job, you would:

• Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
• Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
• 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.

Education

• master's degree
• bachelor's degree

Math and Science

• biology
• chemistry

Arts and Humanities

• English language

Engineering and Technology

• computers and electronics
• product and service development

Education and Training

• teaching and course design

Basic Skills

• figuring out how to use new ideas or things
• reading work related information

Problem Solving

• noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

• thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
• figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

• Integrity
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Persistence
• Cooperation

Verbal

• communicate by speaking
• communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

• group things in different ways
• make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Math

• add, subtract, multiply, or divide
• choose the right type of math to solve a problem

Visual Understanding

• see hidden patterns