Digital graphic illustration of a scientist putting droplets into a beaker containing a plant. There are multiple plants in various sized beakers and posters behind that show generic diagrams of a tree branch and a beetle.

Plant Scientist

Job Sector

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Potential Salary (USD)

Low End: $35,000.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $70,000.00 /yr
High End: $120,000.00 /yr

Education Required

  • Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences, or
  • Bachelor of Science in Agronomy

Job Outlook

The demand for plant scientists is expected to grow as the need for sustainable agriculture and food security increases. Advances in biotechnology and precision agriculture also create new opportunities in this field.

Career Profile Overview

Plant Scientists, also known as agronomists or botanists, study plants to improve agricultural practices, enhance crop yields, and ensure food security. They conduct research to understand plant biology, genetics, and ecology, and apply this knowledge to solve challenges related to agriculture, sustainability, and environmental conservation.

Environmental scientist looking at a microscope in front of rows of individually potted plants.
An overhead view of a man holding a clipboard adding an eye dropper to plants
A crop of small plants being grown in a greenhouse while a woman squats on the ground holding a clipboard.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Development

  • Conduct experiments to study plant growth, reproduction, and resistance to diseases and pests.

Soil and Crop Management

  • Analyze soil composition and health, and recommend practices to improve soil fertility and crop production.

Genetic Improvement

  • Use plant breeding and biotechnology to develop crops with desirable traits, such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and improved nutritional content.

Environmental Impact Studies

  • Study the effects of agricultural practices on the environment, including soil degradation, water use, and biodiversity.

Education and Outreach

  • Provide guidance to farmers, agricultural businesses, and government agencies on best practices for crop production and sustainable farming.

Policy and Advocacy

  • Advise policymakers on agricultural and environmental policies, helping to shape regulations that support sustainable farming and food production.

Educational Path

High School

  • A basic understanding of science, biology, chemistry, and mathematics is important for this role.

Postsecondary

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science, Agronomy, Botany, or a Related Field

Advanced Degrees

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Plant Science or a Related Field

Certifications

  • Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)

Entry-Level

Research Assistant

  • Assists in laboratory and field experiments, data collection, and basic analysis under the supervision of senior scientists.

Agricultural Technician

  • Performs routine tasks related to crop production, plant health monitoring, and equipment operation in agricultural settings.

Extension Agent

  • Disseminates research-based information and practical advice on agricultural practices to farmers and the public.

Mid-Level

Plant Scientist

Designs and conducts experiments to investigate plant growth, development, genetics, and responses to environmental factors.

Crop Consultant

Provides specialized advice to farmers on crop management, pest and disease control, nutrient management, and yield optimization.

Agronomist

Applies scientific principles to improve crop production and soil management, often focusing on sustainable agricultural practices.

Senior-Level

Senior Plant Scientist

  • Leads complex research projects, mentors junior scientists, and contributes significantly to the strategic direction of research programs.

Director of Research and Development

  • Oversees and directs all research activities within an organization, setting strategic goals and managing research teams.

University Professor

  • Conducts independent research, teaches courses in plant science, and mentors graduate students in academic settings.

Skills and Qualities

Science Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of plant biology, genetics, ecology, and agricultural science.

Crop Identification

  • Ability to identify challenges in agriculture, such as crop diseases or soil degradation, and develop innovative solutions.

Data Analysis

  • Proficient in analyzing data from experiments, field studies, and laboratory work to draw meaningful conclusions.

Communication

  • Effective at conveying complex scientific information to diverse audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and the public.

Attention to Detail

  • Careful in conducting experiments, collecting data, and documenting research findings to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Teamwork

  • Ability to work with other scientists, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders to achieve common goals in research and development.

United States

University of California | California

Cornell University | New York

University of Florida | Florida

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Agronomy
  • Website: UF Agronomy

Canada

University of Guelph | Ontario

University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan

University of British Columbia | British Columbia

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, Plant and Soil Science
  • Website: UBC Applied Biology

Joanne Chory

Joanne Chory an older lady with a grey perm stands for a portrait surrounded by plants in a science lab.
Joanne Chory an older lady with a grey perm and bright smile sits between rows of tabletop benches with assorted plants.

Position

Plant Biologist, Director of the Plant Biology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Contributions

Dr. Joanne Chory is a pioneering plant biologist whose research focuses on how plants adapt to environmental stress. She leads the Harnessing Plants Initiative at the Salk Institute, which aims to develop plants that can store more carbon dioxide in their roots, thereby helping to mitigate climate change.

Impact

Chory’s work has the potential to revolutionize how we combat climate change by using plants as natural carbon sinks. Her research could lead to the development of crops that contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a critical role in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Source

Salk Institute

A man holding a tray of plants while a woman in safety glasses writes on a clipboard
Closeup of african biologist woman looking into camera while working in biological agronomy laboratory. Specialists team researching genetic mutation developing medical scientific GMO dna test.
A man holding a jar with two girls taking notes

Resources and Further Reading