Soil and Plant Scientists
On the Job
Soil and Plant Scientists research how crops, trees, and plants are grown or managed. They study which soils help plants to grow the best and how pests can be controlled. Their job may involve classifying different types of soils.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Analyze biological samples.
- Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.
- Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.
- Research crop management methods.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Research geological features or processes.
- Research hydrologic features or processes.
- Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
- Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Typical Working Conditions
- Using e-mail.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
- Working with a group or team.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
