Careers

The Sky’s the Limit

Agriculture and the environment have never been more important to the future of our state, country and world. That’s why we’re focused on training the next generation of crop and soil scientists. 

Our graduates pursue meaningful careers that help feed a growing world population, address climate change and sustainable agriculture, and protect water resources and the environment.

The job possibilities in crop and soil sciences are abundant and diverse. And our degree programs will prepare you for whichever field you choose. So jump in — and jumpstart your career.

careers in crop and soil sciences

Agroecology Specialist

Agroecology is the study of ecological processes as applied to agricultural production systems with the goal of promoting long term sustainable systems. 

Agronomist

Agronomists provide knowledge and leadership to growers in their assigned market while performing job duties such as field scouting, soil management and market analysis. 

Athletic Turf Manager

Athletic turf managers are responsible for producing and maintaining sporting grounds. They plan, oversee, and manage major athletic grounds and field renovation projects. 

Conservationist

Conservationists focus on sustainability of natural resources, acting as protective guides and educators for private industry, government, policy makers and the general public. They research, educate, advise and instruct. 

Crop Advisors

A crop advisor works to improve how a business or company manages and utilizes data from the seed or crop production process. They coordinate data collection initiatives and aid in strategic decision making. 

Environmental Specialist

Research. Advise. Supervise. Working as an environmental scientist and specialist involves conducting and assessing studies, advising agricultural organizations and predicting outcomes. 

Extension Agent

Extension agents, employed by land-grant universities, serve citizens as experts or teachers on topics relating to economics, community development, agriculture, family, animal production, and nutrition. 

Plant Breeder

Plant breeders study seed characteristics and work to improve those characteristics that are most desirable for a plant, such as yield, size, quality, maturity, and resistance to frost, drought, disease, and insect pests 

Precision Agriculture Specialist

Apply geospatial technologies, including GIS GPS, to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. 

Restoration Specialist

Restoration specialists investigate the connections between organisms and the environment in a variety of settings. They also make recommendations for improvements to reestablish natural ecosystems. 

Soil Scientist

Soil scientists study soil characteristics, map soil types and investigate responses of soils under certain conditions. Soil scientists study the chemical composition, structure, and properties of soil and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. 

Waste Management Specialist

Waste management specialists develop appropriate methods for removing and managing animal and food waste from or in the environment. They monitor processes that remove or destroy harmful materials, chemicals and microorganisms from water or land. 

High-Demand Fields

How does the job market look today? Explore for yourself the currently available employment opportunities:

Agriculture Instructor
Agronomist
Athletic Turf
Biotech Scientist
Crop Advisor
Conservation Educator
Ecologist
Environmental Consultant
Erosion Control
Extension
Farm Manager
Fertilizer Sales Representative
Natural Resources Manager
Nutrient Management Specialist
Organic Farming
Plant Scientist
Precision Agriculture Specialist
Soil Conservationist
Soil Scientist
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Turf Equipment
Waste Management Specialist