Overview and Key Facts
Education
Bachelor's degree
Median Pay
$63,200
Job Growth
6.80%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2029
19,000
What Do They Do?
A plant scientist could...
Increase fruit crop yields by researching plant diseases.
Help feed the world by genetically engineering drought-tolerant crops.
Develop new agricultural techniques to grow food on board the space station.
Genetically engineer a new exotic rose variety.
Overview
With a growing world population, making sure that there is enough food for everyone is critical. Plant scientists work to ensure that agricultural practices result in an abundance of nutritious food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Plant Scientist?
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Reading Comprehension:
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Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Science:
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Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Complex Problem Solving:
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Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Speaking:
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Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning:
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Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Critical Thinking:
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Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Writing:
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Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Judgment and Decision Making:
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Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Active Listening:
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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.
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Systems Analysis:
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Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Core Tasks
Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Plant Scientist might do:
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
- Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the effects of alternative practices on the environment.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
Salary & Job Openings
Steps to Get There: Becoming a Plant Scientist
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