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.

Also includes




About the Job


Indiana Average Salary $54,390.00
Average Time to Fill 47 days
Typical Education Bachelor's degree
Typical Experience Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
10 Year Projected Openings (2016-2026) 269
10 Year Expected Percentage Change (2016-2026) 8.71 %

For more information on the new projection methodology, visit Hoosiers by the Numbers .

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Skills Profile



Essential (Soft) Skills

Essential Skills to Employers

Information Gathering
Attention to Detail
Critical Thinking
Problem-solving
Decision-making
Integrity
Written Communication
Numerical and Arithmetic Application
Oral Communication
Organization
Leadership
Technology and Tool Usage
Creativity
Professionalism

Top Job Duties and Responsibilities

Analyzing Data or Information

Analyze chemical or biological data
Analyze organic compounds
Examine biological material specimens
Conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
Analyze biological samples
Isolate microorganisms
Perform biological testing
Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products
Analyze scientific or investigative findings
Perform geographical or environmental research
Conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
Identify problems using mathematical or statistical methods
Perform statistical analysis or modeling
Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems
Interpret aerial photographs
Analyze forest conditions
Analyze soil to determine fertilizer requirements
Interpret laws or legislation

Getting Information

Survey land or properties
Research hydrologic features or processes
Research geographical information using library or internet
Research impact of environmental conservation initiatives
Research agricultural processes or practices
Collect geographical or geological field data
Conduct laboratory research or experiments
Conduct field research
Collect statistical data
Conduct plant location surveys
Research crop management methods
Research human or animal disease or parasites
Conduct geological research
Review maps to determine location or routes
Conduct biological research

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identify characteristics of insects, pests, and diseases
Identify characteristics of cloth, fabric, paper or pulp
Identify plant diseases
Classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
Identify properties of soil or fluid samples
Identify microorganisms
Identify tree or plant species
Identify erosion patterns
Identify characteristics of plants, crops, and tree species
Identify native and non-native species
Identify desirable and undesirable vegetation

Thinking Creatively

Write research or project grant proposals
Write business project or bid proposals
Develop new products based on scientific research
Develop scientific hypotheses, theories, or laws
Develop sustainable industrial or development methods
Develop agricultural methods
Develop simple informational data repositories or databases
Develop complex computer databases
Create mathematical or statistical diagrams, charts, or tables


Real-Time Job Posting Statistics


Booster Skills & Certifications

Job Seekers possessing booster skills & certifications, such as those listed below, added to core skills are more marketable, harder to find and expensive to hire.

Hard to Fill: Employers find positions requiring these skills to be hard to fill. These skills and certifications make a job seeker more in demand because the skills are not widely available.

Expensive to Fill: Employers find positions requiring these skills to be expensive to fill. Job seekers with these skills and certifications are likely to earn more money.

Skill or Certification Certi - fication Hard to Fill Expensive to Fill
Botany
Natural Resources
Physics
Project Management
Supervisory Skills
Data Analysis
Plant Identification



Department of Workforce Development Resources