Overview:

Plant Scientists/Field Agronomists plan, budget, establish, preform and document research trials and projects as they relate to agronomic crops.

Plant Scientists/Field Agronomists are responsible for coordinating, budgeting, executing, performing, and reportring on agronomic crop research trials.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Responsible for making agronomic related decisions regarding production activities
• Develop, conduct and evaluate tolerance for species at seedling stage of growth
• Understand the farmland ( ground conditions, farming challenges, pest issues)
• Evaluate products, collect data on performance in different locations, and make recommendations to management on new releases, and position hybrids in their most favorable environment
• Relay agronomy information to Sales Reps, DMs, dealers and key accounts through written materials, presentations, and one on one
• Regularly communicate with relevant industry sectors and educational institutions to initiate well targeted research projects
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems
• Prepare documented proposals and successfully establish research trials
• Manage trial establishment and collection of data
• Budget for research work and provide management reporting in regard to trial/research progress

What education and training is required?

A master’s degree or PhD in plant breeding, biotechnology, plant pathology, agronomy, crop science, soil science, biology or a related field is preferred to become a plant scientist/field agronomist.  A bachelor’s degree in similar fields may be considered with some companies.

To pursue a career as a Plant Scientist/Field Agronomist:

The following high school courses are recommended:agricultural education, a focus on science, earth science, biology, botany, chemistry, and mathematics.

Typical Employers:

Employed by seed companies, crop protection companies, research firms, governmental organizations, environmental organizations, and colleges or universities.

Future Job Market/Outlook:

For those with advanced degrees the current and future job market for plant scientist/field agronomist can be considered good.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:

• Soil Science Society of America
• National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants
• American Society of Agronomy
• Committee for Sustainable Agriculture
• Crop Science Society of America
• Weed Science Society of America
• American Society of Plant Biologist