The Cool Sheep Careers

AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST

ALSO CALLED

  • Rural scientist
  • Scientist

WHAT’S THE JOB ABOUT?

  • Working with the science that underpins agriculture

Plants, animals, soils, water, pest/weeds, microbes

  • Solving production and environmental problems in agriculture

Working to improve the profitability and sustainability of rural enterprises

Agricultural scientists often specialise in one of the following fields:

  • AGRONOMY – The study of crop and pasture production
      • Agronomists develop methods of improving the growth, yield and quality of crops and pastures
      • Areas of research include plant growth mechanisms, water use efficiency, plant nutrition, soil/nutrient/fertiliser interactions, crop breeding and selection, weeds, pest management, plant pathology, crop protection

 

  • ANIMAL SCIENCE – The study of livestock production
      • Animal scientists work with sheep meat and wool production, beef and dairy cattle, goats, pigs, poultry and newer livestock industries such as alpacas
      • Areas of research include growing conditions, livestock nutrition, breeding, genetic technologies, productivity and quality of animal produce, pest and disease management
  • SOIL SCIENCE – The study of soils
      • Soil scientists conduct research and advise on soil conservation and management
      • Areas of research include soil biology, chemistry, physics, and hydrology, soil geology, formation and classification, nutrient cycles

 

  • MICROBIOLOGY – The study of microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses and prions
      • Microbiologists study both harmful and beneficial organisms
      • Areas of research include identification and control of disease organisms, food technology, environmental management
  • GENETICS – The study of heredity and the genetic variation in organisms
      • Agricultural geneticists investigate the genome of plants and livestock species and develop breeding strategies
      • Areas of research include breed and variety evaluations and technologies, genetic engineering, artificial insemination and embryo technologies

 

  • EPIDEMIOLOGY – The study of disease, usually in animals
      • Epidemiologists study the occurrence, transmission and control of livestock diseases
      • Areas of research include immunology, the development of vaccines and veterinary chemicals, parasites, exotic diseases

 

  • ENTOMOLOGY – The study of pests, especially insects
      • Agricultural entomologists study pest populations and damage, and develop integrated pest management programs using a range of control methods
      • Areas of research include pest ecology and life cycles, biological, physical and chemical control methods, pest population dynamics, applications and impacts of genetic modification
  • ECOLOGY – The study of relationships between organisms and their environment
      • Agricultural ecologists/environmentalists develop methods of controlling and minimising the harmful effects of agricultural activities on the environment
      • Areas of research include soil and water ecology, distribution and abundance studies, habitat protection, land and soil rehabilitation

 

  • BIOTECHNOLOGY – The study of applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to develop new materials or modify microorganisms, plants and animals
      • Agricultural biotechnologists develop methods for waste recycling,  improving food quality, and producing hormones and vaccines
      • Areas of study include fermentation, genetic engineering, plant cloning, tissue culture, quality assurance

WORK CONDITIONS

  • Agricultural scientists work for government departments, universities, research organisations, large companies and producer organisations.

 

  • Careers may be in research, extension and advisory roles, teaching, management, administration, marketing and the media.
  • Work may take place in a laboratory and/or office, outdoors with field trials and animal work and in classrooms or lecture theatres

 

  • The job can be theoretical but mostly requires practical and applied scientific research.
  • The results of research are published and presented in reports and scientific papers.

 

  • Depending on the workplace, the workday and hours may be structured or may be flexible with irregular, long hours depending on the activity.
  • Agricultural scientists may work on their own, as part of a team or monitor the work of others.

 

  • Opportunities exist to travel both within Australia and overseas to work and attend conferences.

EXPERIENCE AND RELATED TRAINING

  • To be employed as an agricultural scientist you must have a degree in a relevant field of study.

 

  • Specialisation usually occurs through postgraduate studies.

 

 

 

 

Career path

 

Training Requirements

 

  • Graduate agricultural scientist

 

You undertake broad training in a range of the above fields with some specialisation in either animal or plant science.

TERTIARY EDUCATION

  • Degree in Agriculture

(or equivalent)

  • Postgraduate agricultural scientist

 

You specialise in one of the above fields with course work and/or research.

TERTIARY EDUCATION

  • Masters in Agriculture

(or equivalent)

  • Doctorate

 

You undertake new research in a field related to agriculture.

TERTIARY EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

in a field related to agriculture

Career paths in private industry, research organisations, the public sector and universities will depend on experience, published research and service.

 

Related Jobs

  • Agricultural engineer
  • Agriculture teacher
  • Company representative
  • Extension officer
  • Farm manager
  • Farmer
  • Food technologist
  • Rural business manager/owner
  • Technical officer
  • Veterinarian