About 1 in 4 agricultural and food scientists work for Federal,
State, or local governments.
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural science is sufficient
for some jobs in applied research; a master’s or Ph.D. degree
is required for basic research or teaching.
Over 1 in 3 agricultural and food scientists are self-employed.
Nature of the Work
The work of agricultural and food scientists plays an important
part in maintaining the Nation’s food supply by ensuring agricultural
productivity and the safety of the food supply. Agricultural
scientists study farm crops and animals, and develop ways
of improving their quantity and quality. They look for ways
to improve crop yield with less labor, control pests and weeds
more safely and effectively, and conserve soil and water.
They research methods of converting raw agricultural commodities
into attractive and healthy food products for consumers.
Agricultural science is closely related to biological science,
and agricultural scientists use the principles of biology,
chemistry, physics, mathematics, and other sciences to solve
problems in agriculture. They often work with biological scientists
on basic biological research and on applying to agriculture
the advances in knowledge brought about by biotechnology.
In the past two decades, rapid advances in basic biological
knowledge related to genetics spurred growth in the field
of biotechnology. Some agricultural and food scientists use
this technology to manipulate the genetic material of plants
and crops, attempting to make organisms more productive or
resistant to disease. These advances in biotechnology have
opened up research opportunities in many areas of agricultural
and food science, including commercial applications in agriculture,
environmental remediation, and the food industry. Another
emerging technology expected to affect agriculture is nanotechnology—a
future molecular manufacturing technology which promises to
revolutionize methods of manufacturing and distribution in
many industries.
Many agricultural scientists work in basic or applied research
and development. Others manage or administer research and
development programs, or manage marketing or production operations
in companies that produce food products or agricultural chemicals,
supplies, and machinery. Some agricultural scientists are
consultants to business firms, private clients, or government.
Depending on the agricultural or food scientist’s area of
specialization, the nature of the work performed varies.
Food science. Food scientists and technologists usually
work in the food processing industry, universities, or the
Federal Government, and help to meet consumer demand for food
products that are healthful, safe, palatable, and convenient.
To do this, they use their knowledge of chemistry, physics,
engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, and other sciences
to develop new or better ways of preserving, processing, packaging,
storing, and delivering foods. Some food scientists engage
in basic research, discovering new food sources; analyzing
food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar,
or protein; or searching for substitutes for harmful or undesirable
additives, such as nitrites. They also develop ways to process,
preserve, package, or store food according to industry and
government regulations. Traditional food processing research
into functions involving baking, blanching, canning, drying,
evaporation, and pasteurization will continue to be conducted
and will find new applications. Other food scientists enforce
government regulations, inspecting food processing areas and
ensuring that sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management
standards are met. Food technologists generally work in product
development, applying the findings from food science research
to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution,
and use of safe, nutritious, and wholesome food.
Plant science. Agronomy, crop science, entomology,
and plant breeding are included in plant science. Scientists
in these disciplines study plants and their growth in soils,
helping producers of food, feed, and fiber crops to continue
to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources
and maintaining the environment. Agronomists and crop scientists
not only help increase productivity, but also study ways to
improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of
seed, often through biotechnology. Some crop scientists study
the breeding, physiology, and management of crops and use
genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and
drought. Entomologists conduct research to develop new technologies
to control or eliminate pests in infested areas and to prevent
the spread of harmful pests to new areas, as well as technologies
that are compatible with the environment. They also conduct
research or engage in oversight activities aimed at halting
the spread of insect-borne disease.
Soil science. Soil scientists study the chemical,
physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils
as they relate to plant or crop growth. They also study the
responses of various soil types to fertilizers, tillage practices,
and crop rotation. Many soil scientists who work for the Federal
Government conduct soil surveys, classifying and mapping soils.
They provide information and recommendations to farmers and
other landowners regarding the best use of land, plant growth,
and methods to avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
They may also consult with engineers and other technical personnel
working on construction projects about the effects of, and
solutions to, soil problems. Because soil science is closely
related to environmental science, persons trained in soil
science also apply their knowledge to ensure environmental
quality and effective land use.
Animal science. Animal scientists work to develop
better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat,
poultry, eggs, and milk. Dairy scientists, poultry scientists,
animal breeders, and other scientists in related fields study
the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development
of domestic farm animals. Some animal scientists inspect and
grade livestock food products, purchase livestock, or work
in technical sales or marketing. As extension agents or consultants,
animal scientists advise agricultural producers on how to
upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality
rates, handle waste matter, or increase production of animal
products, such as milk or eggs.
Working Conditions
Agricultural scientists involved in management or basic research
tend to work regular hours in offices and laboratories. The
work environment for those engaged in applied research or
product development varies, depending on the discipline of
agricultural science and on the type of employer. For example,
food scientists in private industry may work in test kitchens
while investigating new processing techniques. Animal scientists
working for Federal, State, or university research stations
may spend part of their time at dairies, farrowing houses,
feedlots, or farm animal facilities, or outdoors conducting
research associated with livestock. Soil and crop scientists
also spend time outdoors conducting research on farms and
agricultural research stations. Entomologists work in laboratories,
insectories, or agricultural research stations, and also may
spend time outdoors studying or collecting insects in their
natural habitat.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Training requirements for agricultural scientists depend
on their specialty and on the type of work they perform. A
bachelor’s degree in agricultural science is sufficient for
some jobs in applied research or for assisting in basic research,
but a master’s or doctoral degree is required for basic research.
A Ph.D. in agricultural science usually is needed for college
teaching and for advancement to administrative research positions.
Degrees in related sciences such as biology, chemistry, or
physics or in related engineering specialties also may qualify
persons for some agricultural science jobs.
All States have a land-grant college that offers agricultural
science degrees. Many other colleges and universities also
offer agricultural science degrees or some agricultural science
courses. However, not every school offers all specialties.
A typical undergraduate agricultural science curriculum includes
communications, mathematics, economics, business, and physical
and life sciences courses, in addition to a wide variety of
technical agricultural science courses. For prospective animal
scientists, these technical agricultural science courses might
include animal breeding, reproductive physiology, nutrition,
and meats and muscle biology. Graduate students typically
specialize in a subfield of agricultural science, such as
animal breeding and genetics, crop science, or horticulture
science, depending on their interest and the kind of work
they wish to do. For example, those interested in doing genetic
and biotechnological research in the food industry need to
develop a strong background in life and physical sciences,
such as cell and molecular biology, microbiology, and inorganic
and organic chemistry. However, students normally need not
specialize at the undergraduate level. In fact, undergraduates
who are broadly trained have greater flexibility when changing
jobs than if they had narrowly defined their interests.
Students preparing as food scientists take courses such as
food chemistry, food analysis, food microbiology, food engineering,
and food processing operations. Those preparing as crop or
soil scientists take courses in plant pathology, soil chemistry,
entomology, plant physiology, and biochemistry, among others.
Advanced degree programs include classroom and fieldwork,
laboratory research, and a thesis or dissertation based on
independent research.
Agricultural and food scientists should be able to work independently
or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and
concisely, both orally and in writing. Most of these scientists
also need an understanding of basic business principles, and
the ability to apply basic statistical techniques. Employers
increasingly prefer job applicants who are able to apply computer
skills to determine solutions to problems, to collect and
analyze data, and to control various processes.
The American Society of Agronomy offers certification programs
in crop science, agronomy, crop advising, soil science, plant
pathology, and weed science. To become certified, applicants
must pass designated examinations and have at least 2 years
of experience with at least a bachelor’s degree in agriculture
or 4 years of experience with no degree. To become a certified
crop advisor, however, candidates do not need a degree.
Agricultural scientists who have advanced degrees usually
begin in research or teaching. With experience, they may advance
to jobs such as supervisors of research programs or managers
of other agriculture-related activities.
Employment
Agricultural and food scientists held about 30,000 jobs in
2004. In addition, several thousand persons held agricultural
science faculty positions in colleges and universities.
About 1 in 4 salaried agricultural and food scientists work
for Federal, State, or local governments. One out of 7 worked
for State governments at State agricultural colleges or agricultural
research stations. Another one out of 10 worked for the Federal
Government in 2004, mostly in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Some worked for agricultural service companies; others worked
for commercial research and development laboratories, seed
companies, pharmaceutical companies, wholesale distributors,
and food products companies. About 10,000 agricultural scientists
were self-employed in 2004, mainly as consultants.
Job Outlook
Employment of agricultural and food scientists is expected
to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through
2014. Past agricultural research has resulted in the development
of higher yielding crops, crops with better resistance to
pests and plant pathogens, and chemically based fertilizers
and pesticides. Research is still necessary, particularly
as insects and diseases continue to adapt to pesticides and
as soil fertility and water quality continue to need improvement,
resulting in job opportunities in biotechnology. Agricultural
scientists are using new avenues of research in biotechnology
to develop plants and food crops that require less fertilizer,
fewer pesticides and herbicides, and even less water for growth.
Emerging biotechnologies and nanotechnologies will play an
increasingly larger role in creating more plentiful global
food supplies.
Biotechnological research will continue to offer possibilities
for the development of new food products. This research will
allow agricultural and food scientists to develop techniques
to detect and control food pathogens, and should lead to better
understanding of other infectious agents in foods.
Agricultural scientists will be needed to balance increased
agricultural output with protection and preservation of soil,
water, and ecosystems. They will increasingly encourage the
practice of “sustainable agriculture” by developing and implementing
plans to manage pests, crops, soil fertility and erosion,
and animal waste in ways that reduce the use of harmful chemicals
and do little damage to farms and the natural environment.
Further studies at scientific research and development services
firms will result in more job opportunities for food scientists
and technologists. This research will be stimulated by a heightened
public focus on diet, health, changes in food safety, and
biosecurity—preventing the introduction of infectious agents,
such as foot and mouth disease into a herd of animals. Increasing
demand for these workers also will stem from issues such as
a growing world population, availability and cost of usable
water, shrinking natural resources including the loss of arable
land, and deforestation, environmental pollution, and climate
change.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree should find work in a
variety of fields, mostly in the private sector, although
many of the positions may be related to agricultural or food
science rather than as an agricultural or food scientist.
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural science is useful for
managerial jobs in businesses that deal with ranchers and
farmers, such as feed, fertilizer, seed, and farm equipment
manufacturers; retailers or wholesalers; and farm credit institutions.
In some cases, persons with a 4-year degree can provide consulting
services or work in sales and marketing—promoting high-demand
products such as organic foods. Bachelor’s degree holders
also can work in some applied research and product development
positions under the guidance of a Ph.D. scientist, but usually
only in certain subfields, such as food science and technology.
The Federal Government hires bachelor’s degree holders to
work as soil scientists. Four-year degrees also may help persons
enter occupations such as farmer, or farm or ranch manager;
cooperative extension service agent; agricultural products
inspector; or purchasing or sales agent for agricultural commodity
or farm supply companies.
Opportunities may be better for those with a master’s degree,
particularly for graduates seeking applied research positions
in a laboratory. Master’s degree candidates also can seek
to become a certified crop advisor, helping farmers better
manage their crops. Those with a Ph.D. in agricultural and
food science will experience the best opportunities, especially
in basic research and teaching positions at colleges and universities
as retirements of faculty are expected to accelerate during
the projection period.
Fewer opportunities for agricultural and food scientists
are expected in the Federal government, mostly because of
budgetary cutbacks at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Employment of agricultural and food scientists is relatively
stable during periods of economic recession. Layoffs are less
likely among agricultural and food scientists than in some
other occupations because food is a staple item and its demand
fluctuates very little with economic activity.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of food scientists and technologists
were $50,840 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between
$36,450 and $72,510. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$28,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,300.
Median annual earnings of soil and plant scientists were $51,200
in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,890
and $69,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,660,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,840. In May
2004, median annual earnings of animal scientists were $49,920.
The average Federal salary for employees in nonsupervisory,
supervisory, and managerial positions in 2005 was $87,025
in animal science and $73,573 in agronomy.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers,
beginning salary offers in 2005 for graduates with a bachelor’s
degree in animal sciences averaged $30,614 a year; plant sciences,
$31,649 a year; and in other agricultural sciences, $36,189
a year.
Related Occupations
The work of agricultural scientists is closely related to
that of other scientists, including biological scientists, chemists,
and conservation scientists and foresters. It also is related
to the work of managers of agricultural production, such as
farmers, ranchers,
and agricultural managers. Certain specialties of agricultural
science also are related to other occupations. For example,
the work of animal scientists is related to the work of veterinarians, and horticulturists perform
duties similar to duties of landscape architects.
Sources of Additional Information
Agricultural career brochures are available from:
American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of
America, Soil Science Society of America, 677 S. Segoe Rd.,
Madison, WI 53711-1086. Internet: http://www.agronomy.org/
Information on careers in agricultural science is available
from:
Food and Agricultural Careers for Tomorrow, Purdue University,
1140 Agricultural Administration Bldg., West Lafayette,
IN 47907-1140.
Information on acquiring a job as an agricultural scientist
with the Federal Government is available from the Office of
Personnel Management through USAJOBS, the Federal Government’s
official employment information system. This resource for
locating and applying for job opportunities can be accessed
through the Internet at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ or through an interactive
voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978)
461-8404. These numbers are not tollfree, and charges may
result.
Source: Bureau of
Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition,
