Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Soil and Plant Scientist
What soil and plant scientists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a soil and plant scientist?
Scout a corn field. From there, the day usually includes test soils, breed crops, and research pests. Full time, busy in growing seasons.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a soil and plant scientist working full time.
- Scout a corn field.
- Pull soil samples.
- Meet a grower.
- Check plot trials.
- Analyze lab results.
- Write recommendations.
- Plan planting.
Where soil and plant scientists work
Scientists work in fields, labs and offices.
Hours and schedule
Full time, busy in growing seasons.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Test soils
- Breed crops
- Research pests
- Advise farmers
- Run field trials
- Recommend fertilizer
- Promote conservation
Tools you’ll use every day
- Soil probes
- GPS
- GIS
- Lab equipment
- Drones
- Statistical software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Outdoor field work
- Feed people
- Many employers
What’s hard
- Seasonal crunches
- Weather
- Rural travel
- Grad degree for research
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love plants and soil
- I like field work
- I like science
- I like advising farmers
- I want growing work
- I don’t mind weather
Not sure? Take the free Soil and Plant Scientist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow pesticide rules
- Watch field equipment
- Stay hydrated
- Drive safely