Agronomist

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• advise farmers on land management and how to improve crop yields
•  study soil, fertilisers and other factors which affect crop growth
•  create chemical, biological and organic treatment plans to promote healthy crops
•  carry out field trials to solve clients' crop problems
•  use new technology to track plant growth and changes in environmental conditions

We've identified this as a green job

As an agronomist, you'll help farmers to produce crops in a more efficient and sustainable way. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

• science skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• business management skills 
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• excellent verbal communication skills
• maths knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection if you're advising on or selling pesticides in the UK. This is a legal requirement.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

You could specialise in precision farming methods, like laser weeding, or developing nutrition plans for fruit or vegetable crops.

You could also study for a postgraduate master's degree, like soil science or genetics and become a consultant.