Agricultural scientists can choose from an abundance of occupational opportunities.
A degree in agriculture opens ample environmental and food science opportunities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many graduates with agriculture degrees are hired by the United States Department of Agriculture, the USDA; they can also find employment at other federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (the FDA). Federal agencies are not the only sources of employment; however, with an agriculture degree, you are equipped to obtain an occupation in a number of agricultural sub-fields.
Food Scientist
Food scientists, also called food safety scientists, study the processing and deterioration of food substances through the use of sciences like chemistry, engineering, microbiology, physics and biotechnology -- along with other scientific disciplines. The primary focus is the improvement of food products. Food scientists typically are researchers, both basic and applied. As a basic researcher, you find new food sources, and some researchers analyze different food contents to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar or protein. They even research substitutes for harmful or less-effective food additives like nitrites. As an applied researcher, you find ways to process, preserve, package or store food --- all according to industry and government regulations. Some applied researchers further expand on traditional food processing techniques, like drying, baking, evaporation, blanching, canning and pasteurization. Food scientists also enforce government regulations by inspecting food processing areas; they ensure that all health standards are met --- sanitation, waste management, safety and quality. Food scientists held approximately 13,400 jobs in 2008 and earned a median annual wage of $59,520, as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Soil Scientist
Soil scientists focus on the difference in plant growth relational compositions of soil -- chemical, physical, mineralogical and biological. Soil scientists should possess strong foundations in physical and biological sciences as well as mathematics. Additionally, soil scientists will classify, map and investigate many effects of alternative practices dealing with soil and crop productivity. Many of these specialists advise and consult engineers, farmers and other landowners on the best use of land and plants to avoid or correct problems like erosion. Soil science and environmental science are closely related, and individuals who train in soil science also work toward environmental quality and effective land use. Soil scientists held approximately 13,900 jobs in 2008 collectively, along with plant scientists, and in May of 2008, soil scientists earned a median annual salary of $58,390. In 2009, soil scientists made an average federal salary of $79,158, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Plant Scientist
Plant scientists focus on helping food producers nourish types of feed and fiber crops to conserve natural resources and feed a growing population -- simultaneously. Plant scientists continually develop new technologies to control or eliminate pests. These developments prevent the spread of pests in environmentally specific ways. Also, plant scientists conduct research on or oversee different activities that could halt insect-borne disease spreading. Plant scientists held approximately 13,900 jobs in 2008 collectively, along with soil scientists, and in May of 2008, the median annual wage for a plant scientist was $58,390, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Animal Scientist
Animal scientists usually focus on the conduct of research in the genetics, reproduction, growth, nutrition and development of domesticated farm animals. In addition, animal scientists often grade and inspect livestock food products. They will even purchase livestock, and they can work in technical sales or the marketing of livestock food products. Occasionally, animal scientists will advise agricultural producers on proper upgrades to animal housing facilities, as well as in methods to increase animal product production. They will also advise ways to handle waste matter. Animal scientists held approximately 3,700 jobs in 2008, and in May of 2008, median annual wages for animal scientists amounted to $56,030. In 2009, the average federal salary for animal scientists was $104,184.
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