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Soil and Plant Scientist

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What Does it Take to Be a Soil and Plant Scientist?

Position Description 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.

Life As a Soil & Plant Scientist

  • Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
  • Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
  • Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders.
  • Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.
  • Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
  • Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.

What a Soil & Plant Scientist Should Know

When polled, Soil and Plant Scientists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Soil and Plant Scientist

  • Floriculturist
  • Horticulturist
  • Fermentation Scientist
  • Entomologist
  • Crop Nutrition Scientist

Are There Job Opportunities for Soil and Plant Scientists?

There were about 19,900 jobs for Soil and Plant Scientist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,800 new jobs for Soil and Plant Scientist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Soil & Plant Scientist are Nevada, Kansas, and North Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wyoming, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Soil & Plant Scientist Make?

The salary for Soil and Plant Scientists ranges between about $38,570 and $115,400 a year.

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Soil and Plant Scientists who work in Maryland, Massachusetts, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $63,130
Alaska $69,210
Arizona $74,420
Arkansas $75,440
California $80,710
Colorado $56,990
Connecticut $85,210
Delaware $56,870
District of Columbia $88,840
Florida $64,230
Georgia $65,820
Hawaii $68,550
Idaho $70,940
Illinois $58,950
Indiana $59,850
Iowa $79,650
Kansas $57,260
Kentucky $67,690
Louisiana $68,100
Maine $60,630
Maryland $98,880
Massachusetts $86,160
Michigan $54,800
Minnesota $74,130
Mississippi $90,700
Missouri $53,030
Montana $65,010
Nebraska $57,320
Nevada $71,490
New Jersey $71,730
New Mexico $57,840
New York $83,530
North Carolina $72,890
North Dakota $75,800
Ohio $56,220
Oklahoma $42,430
Oregon $69,210
Pennsylvania $66,440
South Dakota $59,200
Tennessee $56,980
Texas $68,150
Utah $59,590
Virginia $68,660
Washington $72,660
West Virginia $53,950
Wisconsin $59,560

What Tools & Technology do Soil and Plant Scientists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Soil and Plant Scientists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • Word processing software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • SAS
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • R
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
  • STATISTICA
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • GAEA Technologies WinSieve
  • SoilVision Systems SVOFFICE

How to Become a Soil & Plant Scientist

What kind of Soil and Plant Scientist requirements are there?

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What work experience do I need to become a Soil & Plant Scientist?

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Where do Soil and Plant Scientists Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Soil and Plant Scientists work:

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Similar Careers

Are you already one of the many Soil and Plant Scientist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: W.carter via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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