Soil scientists study how various soils respond to crop rotation, tillage and fertilizers. Those who work for the federal government conduct soil surveys, mapping and classifying soils. Soil scientists inform farmers and other landowners about how to correct or avoid problems such as erosion. They also provide information and recommendations to them about plants to avoid or the best use of land.
During construction, soil scientists consult with engineers and other technical personnel about the effects of, and solutions to, soil problems. Soil scientists may also work to ensure environmental quality and effective land use.
Summary
- Soil scientist jobs are expected to grow faster than the average as they work to limit the negative environmental impact of agriculture.
- A bachelor’s degree in agricultural science is sufficient for soil scientists who work in product development; a master’s or PhD degree is usually required for research positions.
- Opportunities for soil scientists are expected to be good.
Work Environment for Soil Scientists
Soil scientists spend much of their time outdoors conducting research on agricultural research stations and farms. Most soil scientists who are involved in basic research or management work regular hours in laboratories and offices. The work setting for soil scientists involved in applied research or product development can vary, depending on type of employer and specialty.
Soil scientists may spend part of their day using biotechnology, trying to manipulate the genetic material of crops and plants to make them more productive and resistant to disease. They use various soils to see which grows the best newly-made types of crops.
Education, Training and Licensing
Most jobs for soil scientists require a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s or doctoral degree is normally needed for research positions at universities. College teaching and advancement to senior research positions usually requires a PhD in agricultural science. Many employers accept degrees in related sciences, such as chemistry, biology, or physics or in related engineering specialties.
All states have a land-grant college that offers agricultural science degrees, and many other colleges and universities also offer agricultural science degrees or agricultural science courses. Not every school offers all specialties. The typical undergraduate agricultural program includes physical and life sciences, economics, business, communications, mathematics and many different technical agricultural science courses. Graduate students normally specialize in crop science or horticulture science, including courses in soil chemistry, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry and others. Fieldwork, classroom, laboratory research and a thesis or dissertation based on independent research are required for advanced degrees.
Soil scientists are required to be licensed in some states, and requirements vary by state. A bachelor’s degree, credit hours in soil science, passing an examination and working for a certain number of years under a licensed scientist are required.
The Soil Science Society of America offers certification to soil classifiers and soil scientists, although certification is not necessary to work in these occupations. Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in soil science plus five years of experience or a graduate degree and three years of experience. It is also mandated that applicants pass an examination and adhere to a code of ethics. Continuing education is needed to maintain the certificate.
Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings
Soil and plant scientists held about 11,830 jobs in May 2009, according to research published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most soil scientists worked for scientific research and development services, the federal government, colleges, universities and professional schools, miscellaneous nondurable goods merchant wholesalers or scientific consulting services.
The BLS expects employment in this field to grow 16% through 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth will stem from attempts to increase the quantity and quality of food for the growing population. In addition, an awareness of the effects of food production on the environment will spur the need for more soil scientists to balance increased agricultural output and preserve soil.
In May 2009, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for soil scientists was $59,180. The middle 50% of soil scientists earned between $45,070 and $78,590, while the lowest 10% made $34,930 or less each year. The highest 10% earned in excess of $107,670.