Soil and Plant Scientists
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.
At a Glance
Soil and Plant Scientists earns a median of $71,410/yr with +5.4% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Working with Computers, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP.
$71,410/yr
+5.4%
2
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (14)
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Knowledge (8)
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Abilities (15)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Technology (11)
Work Activities (25)
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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