Agronomists advise farmers, industry partners and government on all aspects of farming and agriculture. They conduct research and use the findings to help improve farm production and control problems such as disease and pests. Agronomists may also help implement the latest technology on farms to boost sustainability and productivity.
If you love the outdoors and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, and are a great problem-solver and communicator, agronomy could be your perfect future career.
What skills do I need as an agronomist?
- Love nature
- Analytical & thorough
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great communication skills
- Can do both outdoor & desk work
- Trustworthy & reliable
- Critical thinker
- Good time management skills
What tasks can I expect to do?
- Collect & analyse samples and data
- Advise farmers on techniques to improve production
- Identify problems such as diseases, pests & weeds
- Advise farmers on how to deal with issues
- Provide advice on caring for & breeding animals
- Research environmental factors that influence farm production
- Advise farmers, industry bodies & government on research findings
- Stay up-to-date with the latest technology & science in agriculture
What industries do agronomists typically work in?
- Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
- Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
- Public Administration & Safety
What Career Cluster do agronomists fall into?
Because their work involves helping and guiding others with their skills and knowledge, most agronomists typically belong to the Informer Cluster.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
Part-time opportunities aren’t very common for Agronomists. You’ll need to be on site often, but you may be able to do some work remotely or from home, such as collating findings and researching. Many farms and agricultural businesses are based in regional and rural locations, so there could be more opportunity for work in these areas.
Most Agronomists earn an average wage throughout their career.
You will need to be prepared to get your hands dirty as well as do some work at a desk. There will also most likely be lots of face-to-face interaction with farmers and other stakeholders.
How to become an agronomist
To become an agronomist, you typically need a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, forestry, or a related field. You may prefer to complete a relevant vocational qualification and become an agronomist with lots of hands-on work experience.
On-the-job training is common, and you may also need to earn additional certifications in specific areas such as pesticide application or soil science.
If you’re in high school now and are thinking of a career as an agronomist in the future, here are some steps you could take:
- Try to find work experience in an agricultural setting, such as on a farm or at another agricultural business. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the industry and find out if it’s a passion you want to follow.
- Consider volunteering or finding casual work to build on important skills such as communication, problem-solving and time management.
- Talk to or watch videos of agronomists or other agricultural scientists to find out what their day-to-day life is like, and start building connections and networks for the future.
Find out more here:
- Agronomy Australia
- Agronomy Society of New Zealand
- BASIS and the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (UK)
- ASA Ireland
- American Society of Agronomy
- Canadian Society of Agronomy | La Société canadienne d’agronomie
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