O*NET Career Intelligence

Soil and Plant Scientists

SOC 19-1013.00

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.

Green Occupation Zone 5 Life, Physical, and Social Science

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Yes

Green

Top Skills 8

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Science

4.1

Speaking

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Active Learning

4.0

Complex Problem Solving

4.0

Active Listening

3.9

Writing

3.9

Knowledge Areas 8

Biology

4.5

English Language

4.3

Mathematics

3.9

Education and Training

3.9

Chemistry

3.6

Computers and Electronics

3.4

Administration and Management

3.2

Customer and Personal Service

3.1

Key Tasks

1Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.

2Conduct 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.

3Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.

4Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

5Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.