Agricultural Scientist

Research and Development

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Science and technology coupled with human capitol have been powerful drivers of human change in the performance and evolution of smallholder systems.

Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Agricultural Scientist

Natacha Hogan University of Saskatchewan

In A Nutshell

I study plants and animals with the goal of finding ways to improve farming practices. 

I conduct experiments and present the findings to farmers and other scientists so we can all use and share information.

I do mathematical calculations and statistics to decide whether my results are valuable, and then write scientific papers to explain my results. 

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Potential Salary Range

$55,000 - 76,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

My workplace is variable; I either work in the lab or the office going through data, or I’m out in the field, supervising hands-on research. Every day is different and exciting! 

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Conduct experiments on crops, animals, and soil
  • Create new food products or processing methods based on research
  • Write reports on results and present them to the agricultural community
  • Oversee a team of technicians who help carry out research activities
  • Read through already existing research to help guide experiments and plans
  • Plan out entire research projects and present these plans to funders for approval 

Education & Training

  • A university degree in agricultural science is required. A post-graduate or master's degree may help prepare potential employees for a research-based career.  
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Job Outlook

    As the need to feed a growing population continues, agricultural research will remain necessary; the outlook for prospective employees in this field is good. 

Related School Subjects

Science
69 Math
English Language Arts
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Research Data Laboratory Science

Important Skills

Research icon

Research

My main purpose as an agriculture scientist is to conduct research. People in this role should have a curious mind and a drive to learn more about the world. 

Computer & Technological icon

Computer & Technological

Modern research is very computer based; from the tools used to conduct experiments, to the software used to analyze data.

Analytical Thinking

Research is all about collecting data and using critical thinking to analyze numbers and figure out meaningful patterns.

Written Communications

Another necessary part of the job is writing scientific reports on my research. Sharing information and results is important, so it helps to enjoy written communication.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Independent Work
Opportunity to Travel
Making a Difference in the World
Pays Well
Problem Solving