Science & ResearchISCO 2132
Agricultural scientist
Agricultural scientists research and study soil, animals and plants with the objective of improving agricultural processes, the quality of agricultural products or the impact of agricultural processes on the environment. They plan and implement projects such as development projects on behalf of clients or institutions.
Check yourself in a minute: agricultural scientist
Rate 5 of the 50 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
cultivate crops for biomass
manage research data
interact professionally in research and professional environments
provide advice to farmers
disseminate results to the scientific community
About agricultural scientist
As an agricultural scientist in Poland, you will conduct research and development projects aimed at improving crop yields, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. Your work involves analyzing soil composition, studying plant genetics, researching animal husbandry techniques, and evaluating the environmental impact of agricultural processes. You will design experiments, collect and manage research data, and collaborate with farmers, government institutions, and environmental organizations to implement evidence-based solutions.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include planning research projects, conducting field trials, writing scientific papers, and presenting findings to both academic and farming communities. You may advise farmers on crop management, soil protection, water conservation, and sustainable practices like agroforestry and agroecology. As Poland's agricultural sector faces pressure to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact, agricultural scientists are increasingly valued for developing innovative solutions that balance economic viability with ecological responsibility.
Career prospects are strong, particularly in bioeconomy development and precision agriculture. With Poland's significant agricultural heritage and EU funding for rural innovation, opportunities exist in research institutions, universities, agribusiness companies, and government agencies. Specialization in areas like sustainable farming, climate adaptation, or organic agriculture can lead to senior positions in research leadership or international consultancy roles.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a agricultural scientist.
1
Research Design and Implementation
- Design comprehensive research projects to test agricultural hypotheses and innovations
- Plan field trials and experiments following scientific methodologies
- Manage research data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Conduct statistical analysis of experimental results using open source software
2
Scientific Communication and Knowledge Dissemination
- Draft scientific papers and technical documentation for academic journals
- Present research findings to scientific communities at conferences and seminars
- Translate scientific knowledge into practical advice for farmers
- Educate stakeholders on environmental legislation and recycling regulations
3
Agricultural Advisory and Extension
- Provide expert advice to farmers on crop management and sustainable farming practices
- Advise on soil and water protection strategies
- Consult on agroforestry and agroecological systems implementation
- Recommend optimal e-agriculture and precision farming technologies
4
Project Management and Coordination
- Apply project management principles to organize research initiatives
- Coordinate with stakeholders including clients, institutions, and partner organizations
- Manage budgets and timelines for development projects
- Interact professionally in research and professional environments
5
Bioeconomy and Environmental Sustainability
- Research and promote biomass cultivation for energy and industrial applications
- Evaluate environmental impact of agricultural processes and propose mitigation strategies
- Stay current with environmental legislation and ensure compliance in research
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (50)
project management principlesproject management principlesDifferent elements and phases of project management.environmental legislation in agriculture and forestryenvironmental legislation in agriculture and forestryAwareness on environmental legislation, policies, principles relevant for agriculture and forestry. Awareness of the impact on the environment of local agricultural procedures and practices. Means to ...bioeconomybioeconomyThe production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy.project managementproject managementThe 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.research designresearch designThe set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...agroforestryagroforestryThe 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...e-agriculturee-agricultureThe design and application of innovative ICT solutions in agriculture, horticulture, viniculture, fishery, forestry and livestock management.agroecologyagroecologyThe study and application of ecological and agronomic concepts and principles to agricultural production systems.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.cultivate crops for biomasscultivate crops for biomassCarry out the cultivation of crops for bio-mass, process of crops for bio-mass.manage research datamanage research dataProduce 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 fami...interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow 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.provide advice to farmersprovide advice to farmersProvide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.educate on recycling regulationseducate on recycling regulationsEducate organisations and individuals on the correct procedures and legislation concerning the recycling of different types of waste in different types of containers, waste collection procedures, and ...speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.provide advice to hatcheriesprovide advice to hatcheriesProvide recommendations for the installation and well functioning of hatcheries.advise on soil and water protectionadvise on soil and water protectionAdvise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, 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 necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.advise on efficiency improvementsadvise on efficiency improvementsAnalyse 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.identify process improvementsidentify process improvementsIdentify possible improvements to operational and financial performance, in order to increase productivity, efficiency, quality, and streamline procedures.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct 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 achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...create soil and plant improvement programmescreate soil and plant improvement programmesDevelop and advise on implementation of soil health and plant nutrition programs.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...monitor the farm environmental management planmonitor the farm environmental management planIdentify environmental designations and directives that relate to a given farm and incorporate their requirements in to the farm planning process. Monitor the implementation of the farm environmental ...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...report pollution incidentsreport pollution incidentsWhen an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.report on environmental issuesreport on environmental issuesCompile 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 t...synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.environmental policyenvironmental policyLocal, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state o...research livestock productionresearch livestock productionCollect 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...perform market researchperform market researchGather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.
Optional (20) — show
climate smart agricultureclimate smart agricultureAn 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.organic farmingorganic farmingPrinciples, techniques and regulations of organic farming. Organic farming or ecological agriculture is an agricultural production method, which places a strong emphasis on environmental protection an...integrated food-energy systemsintegrated food-energy systemsThe integration of food and energy production into farming or food production systems.consultation methodsconsultation methodsTechniques used to facilitate clear and open communication and the provision of advice between individuals, communities or the government, such as discussion groups or one-on-one interviews.multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.conservation agricultureconservation agricultureThe techniques, methods and principles that promote a sustainable use of land and soil in crop production. It is based on the three principles of permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, and di...ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....lead a teamlead a teamLead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.comply with legal regulationscomply with legal regulationsEnsure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.advise on irrigation projectsadvise on irrigation projectsAdvise on the construction of irrigation projects. Review contractor orders to ensure the compatibility of the design with installation concepts and pre-existent grounds master plan. Monitor the contr...comply with farm regulationscomply with farm regulationsEnsure that farm activities comply with regulations.manage fisheries projectsmanage fisheries projectsConsult with contractors from both the governmental and private sectors in fisheries projects such as restoration efforts. Go over the proposed plans and provide expertise. Prepare applications for fi...evaluate employees workevaluate employees workEvaluate the need for labour for the work ahead. Evaluate the performance of the team of workers and inform superiors. Encourage and support the employees in learning, teach them techniques and check ...apply precision farmingapply precision farmingUsing modern technologies and equipment with high precision positioning systems, geo-mapping and/or automated steering systems for agricultural activities.inspect project regulationsinspect project regulationsInspect projects for regulation and specification compliance. Formulate recommendations to existing specifications and plans.train staff on recycling programstrain staff on recycling programsTrain employees on the type of recycling methods and programs available for a company and all its procedures and policies that should be taken account of.use agronomic modellinguse agronomic modellingBuild and apply physical and mathematical formulae in order to study farmer's fertilisation, manage irrigation scheduling, define breeding targets, support cultivation choices in a given environment a...train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.
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Frequently asked questions
What does an agricultural scientist do?
Agricultural scientists research and study soil, animals and plants with the objective of improving agricultural processes, the quality of agricultural products or the impact of agricultural processes on the environment. They plan and implement projects such as development projects on behalf of clients or institutions.
What skills does an agricultural scientist need?
An agricultural scientist needs 50 essential skills, including project management principles, environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry, bioeconomy, project management, research design.
Will AI replace agricultural scientist jobs?
The AI disruption score for agricultural scientist is 68/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, write scientific publications, synthesise information. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
68/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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