What does an Agronomist do?

Agronomists are scientists who focus on crop production and soil. They work in the field and in labs to study plants and their growing environment. Their work helps improve crop growth by making them more resistant to diseases and pests, improving the quality of the crops, and creating new planting methods. Agronomists sometimes specialize in specific parts of the crop-growing process or certain concerns, such as sustainability or soil conservation.

No matter the specialty, the position typically involves field work, such as collecting soil samples, observing fields and monitoring test fields. Some tasks also take place in the lab, where Agronomists test different solutions and new methods for improving crop growth. Their work benefits Farmers, who can produce more crops of higher quality with the newer methods and strategies. Agronomy also protects the environment by identifying more efficient methods that help conserve soil and water.

Agronomist skills and qualifications

When writing your Agronomist job description, it’s important to think about the prerequisite requirements you want from candidates. The following skills and qualifications can help an Agronomist complete their work successfully:

• Expertise in planning and implementing crop rotations and sustainable farming practices
• Proficiency in identifying and controlling pests, diseases and other risks using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies
• Ability to work with large datasets, including collecting, analyzing and interpreting data related to crop yields and soil conditions
• Strong knowledge and comfort using agricultural software and databases for managing crop data
• Ability to use precision agriculture tools like GPS, drones and remote sensing technology
• Ability to design and implement experiments to test new crop varieties, fertilizers and pest control methods

Agronomist experience requirements

Organizations often prefer candidates who have agronomy experience. This could come through an internship in agronomy or experience as an Agronomy Technician or Research Assistant in agriculture. If you’re hiring for a specific type of Agronomist, you might look for experience in that area, which could include pest management or sustainability. You might also specify certain skills in your Agronomy job description, such as teaching or presentation experience, based on the scope of your position.

Agronomist education and training requirements

Agronomists typically need a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop science or another agriculture field. Some organizations require a master’s degree in a related field for agronomy positions. Agronomists can also earn certifications to demonstrate their knowledge of the field. The American Society of Agronomy offers the Certified Crop Adviser credential, which may be ideal for Agronomists who work directly with growers.

Job description samples for similar positions

An agronomy job description might not be an exact match for your needs. Here are some similar job descriptions that might be a better match:

• Farmer
• Environmental Scientist
• Researcher

Agronomist job description FAQs

What makes a good Agronomist?

A candidate who is naturally inquisitive and enjoys solving problems often fits the Agronomist role well. Creativity to come up with new crop techniques can help the candidate excel. Agronomists should also have a passion for plants and a desire to improve crop production and protect the environment. A desire to continue learning helps Agronomists stay current on the latest technology and best practices.

What’s the difference between an Agronomist and a Horticulturist?

Both career paths work with plants, but Agronomists specialize in crops to help farmers increase yields. Seed companies, government agencies and universities often hire Agronomists to help with crop research. The work usually focuses on large-scale production, with an emphasis on genetics and chemical makeup. Horticulturists typically take a broader approach, studying vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, flowers and other plants. They might also work for government agencies as well as nurseries, botanical gardens, landscape companies and garden centers. The work usually takes a smaller-scale approach and focuses on diseases, pest management and other cultivation issues.

Do the job duties vary among different types of Agronomists?

Agronomists typically conduct research and develop solutions regardless of their specialty. The difference lies in what they study. For example, an Environmental Agronomist focuses on protecting the environment through sustainable crop management and water and soil conservation. Organic Agronomists specialize in organic farming practices. Meanwhile, Crop Protection Agronomists look for solutions to control pests and diseases that can affect crop yields and quality.