Soil and Plant Scientists

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is looking for a Soil and Plant Scientist to conduct research on the breeding, physiology, and production of agricultural plants and crops. You will supervise waste management programs, explore soil interactions, and consult on construction impacts. Suitable candidates will have a relevant degree and practical experience in research or crop management. The role is essential for enhancing crop productivity and environmental management in the United States.

Qualifications

• Individuals should have practical experience in field research, laboratory work, or crop management.

Responsibilities

• Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming.
• Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with ecosystems.
• Consult with engineers on construction projects about soil problems.
• Investigate responses of soils to management practices.
• Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs.
• Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Science

Active Learning

Speaking

Complex Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Education

Relevant degree in soil science, plant science, agronomy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Autodesk AutoCAD

SAS

IBM SPSS Statistics

R

Geographic information system GIS software

ESRI ArcGIS software

Job description

Soil and Plant Scientist

What You Need to Know About Soil and Plant Scientist

Soil & Plant Scientist Job 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.

Soil & Plant Scientist Responsibilities

• Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming.
• Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land‑based ecosystems or living organisms.
• Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
• Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
• Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs for industrial development projects.
• Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.

Key Skills

• 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

• Pomologist
• Extension Specialist
• Crop Nutrition Scientist
• Arborist
• Corn Breeder

Educational and Experience Requirements

Individuals in this role typically hold a relevant degree in soil science, plant science, agronomy, or a related field. Practical experience in field research, laboratory work, or crop management is preferred.

Tools and Technologies

• 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

Opportunities and Growth

In the United States, over 19,000 Soil and Plant Scientist positions were reported in 2016. The labor market for this profession is expected to grow by approximately 9% annually, with emerging opportunities across industries such as environmental consulting, government research, and the agriculture and horticulture sectors.