agricultural scientist
Snapshot
Are you passionate about sustainable food production and environmental stewardship? As an agricultural scientist, you'll combine scientific research with practical solutions to improve farming practices and ensure a healthier planet.
Agricultural scientists play a crucial role in addressing global food security and environmental challenges. Your days might involve fieldwork analyzing soil samples, conducting laboratory experiments to improve crop yields, or developing strategies to minimize the environmental impact of farming. You'll often work on projects for clients or institutions, applying your expertise to real-world problems and contributing to advancements in agricultural technology and practices. This career demands a blend of analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to sustainable solutions.
- • Conducting research on soil, plants, and animals to enhance agricultural productivity.
- • Developing and implementing agricultural projects, often in collaboration with clients or institutions.
- • Analyzing data and preparing reports on research findings and project outcomes.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Slovenia, 2 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could agricultural scientist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for agricultural scientist
The outlook for agricultural scientist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could agricultural scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could agricultural scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- monitor the farm environmental management plan
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- manage open publications
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
- manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- report pollution incidents
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Agriculture
A typical day as a agricultural scientist
09 09:00 · Morning advise on soil and water protection
10 10:30 · Mid-morning create soil and plant improvement programmes
12 12:00 · Midday cultivate crops for biomass
14 14:00 · Afternoon educate on recycling regulations
15 15:30 · Late afternoon identify process improvements
17 17:00 · Wrap-up manage intellectual property rights
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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agroecology
The study and application of ecological and agronomic concepts and principles to agricultural production systems.
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agroforestry
The application of land management systems and technologies that integrate trees and other woody perennials with traditional cropland farming in order to sustain agricultural production while ensuring the protection of the natural environment.
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e-agriculture
The design and application of innovative ICT solutions in agriculture, horticulture, viniculture, fishery, forestry and livestock management.
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livestock farming systems
The allocation of farming resources in relation to livestock farming and husbandry systems.
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project management
The discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
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climate smart agriculture
An integrated approach to landscape management that aims at increasing food productivity, enhance crop resilience, ensure food safety and reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
- bioeconomy
- environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry
- environmental policy
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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research livestock production
Collect and use the livestock production facts and the results of analysis as a input to scientific research. Research and keep up to date with any relevant developments in livestock production review and gather information to inform business decisions
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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provide advice to farmers
Provide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.
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advise on efficiency improvements
Analyse information and details of processes and products in order to advise on possible efficiency improvements that could be implemented and would signify a better use of resources.
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advise on soil and water protection
Advise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.
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report on environmental issues
Compile environmental reports and communicate on issues. Inform the public or any interested parties in a given context on relevant recent developments in the environment, forecasts on the future of the environment, and any problems and possible solutions.
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cultivate crops for biomass
Carry out the cultivation of crops for bio-mass, process of crops for bio-mass.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how agricultural scientist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does agricultural scientist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of projects might an agricultural scientist work on?
- Projects can vary widely, from developing drought-resistant crop varieties to optimizing fertilizer use to minimize environmental runoff, or assessing the impact of climate change on specific agricultural regions. You might also be involved in projects focused on improving animal health and welfare or developing sustainable pest management strategies.
- What skills are particularly important for success in this role?
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to interpret data and communicate findings effectively. A solid understanding of scientific principles, combined with practical field experience, is also highly valued. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is crucial.
- What is the typical work arrangement for agricultural scientists?
- Agricultural scientists are typically employed by government agencies, research institutions, universities, or private agricultural companies. While some may work independently on consulting projects, most positions are employee-based.
- Agricultural Scientist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 7 of the 8 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 3 more. One country reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Agricultural Scientist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $71,410 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $38,980 to $107,140. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.