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Occupation Information
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Agricultural Scientist
Scientist (Agricultural / Horticultural / Animal) )



Duties and Tasks
Specialisations
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Case Study
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
Related Courses
Further Information
State Specific Information

Occupation Video
 

Conducting experiments with plant DNA
Conducting experiments with plant DNA

Agricultural scientists study commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to improve the productivity and sustainability of farms and agricultural industries. 

Fact Sheet

Duties and Tasks

An agricultural scientist may perform the following tasks:

  • act as a consultant in the application of science to the practice of agriculture
  • carry out research programs on the breeding, nutrition needs and disease resistance of plants and animals
  • provide technical information to farmers and commercial firms trading in agricultural commodities and produce
  • study the effects of agriculture on the environment by collecting and analysing samples of soil, groundwater and plants
  • carry out experimental programs in controlled environments to develop better environmental management methods
  • assist farmers in the planning and monitoring of agricultural activities, and in the diagnosis and treatment of problems (e.g. nutrient disorders in plants and livestock; weed and plant disease management)
  • train and coordinate the work of technicians and field workers
  • at senior levels, supervise and coordinate research teams, prepare funding applications and communicate the results of research
  • prepare policy advice and assist in putting government policy into practice.

Specialisations

Agricultural scientists who specialise as winemakers deal with research and production of vines and the microbiology and chemistry of winemaking. See the separate entry for Winemaker for more information.

Agricultural Adviser
Agricultural Biotechnologist
Agricultural Entomologist
Agricultural Microbiologist
Agronomist
Animal Scientist
Crop Physiologist
Horticultural Scientist
Soil Scientist

Info Icon Quick Facts

Learning Area Chemistry  
Rural Studies  
Work Demand Including reading or writing  
Work Field Agriculture, Animal and Primary Industries  
Natural Sciences and Mathematics  
Work Interest Analytic or Scientific  
Practical or Mechanical  
Nature or Recreation  
Skill Level Professional Jobs  
Quick Facts

Work Conditions

Agricultural scientists may work in laboratories, offices, in the field or in a combination of these. Some work alone but most work as members of a team. This can be alongside other scientists and farmers and often with other people involved in providing services to the agricultural industry.

Personal Requirements

  • able to analyse and solve problems
  • interested in science and the environment
  • able to make accurate observations
  • good oral and written communication skills
  • well organised with supervisory ability
  • able to work as part of a team.

Case Study

On The Grapevine

Related Industries

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Support Services
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Agricultural and Forestry Scientists

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Environmental and Agricultural Scientists (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Australian VolunteerSearch - Environment and Conservation for ALL AUSTRALIA
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Agricultural and Resource Economist
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Technical Officer
Aquaculture Technician
Botanist
Crop Farmer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Farmer/Farm Manager
Forester
Life Scientist
Livestock Farmer
Veterinarian
Viticulturalist
Winemaker

Earnings

View text version of earnings

Occupation Earnings Graph

Occupation Mean Weekly Earnings Graph

How Much?

Related Courses

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics
Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology
Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc
Department of Agriculture (WA)
Department of Primary Industries
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QLD)
Department of Regional Development Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources
HR Services Team, Landmark Operations Limited
NSW Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture)

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Applying fertiliser to an experimental clover plant
Applying fertiliser to an experimental clover plant

Occupation Video - Microbiologist

Video courtesy of ABC's Ace Day Jobs series

  • Microbiologist
    'Microbiologist'

  • Agricultural Scientist
    'Agricultural Scientist'