Agronomist
Agronomists advise farmers on soil health, disease prevention and how to improve crop production and quality.
Also known as: Crop scientist, agricultural consultant, agronomy manager
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
- Green jobYes
What you'll do
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
- analyse satellite and drone images to map land use and changes in environmental conditions over time
Working environment
You could work in an office, on a farm, at a research facility or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
How to become a agronomist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You'll usually need qualifications relevant to agriculture like a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in:
- agriculture
- biology
- crop and plant science
- ecology
- environmental science
Some employers may also look for relevant postgraduate qualifications in subjects like:
- soil science
- genetics
- crop technology
With a degree or postgraduate qualification you can apply for a graduate training scheme with organisations, such as:
- independent consultancies
- companies selling agrochemicals, seed or fertiliser products
- land and farming charities
- government departments
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could get relevant skills and knowledge by taking a course like:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Courses like these can help you move on to further training at university or an apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Crop Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You might also specialise by doing a Soil Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, depending on your experience and job role.
These apprenticeships can take around 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Other routes
You could study for the BASIS Foundation Award in Agronomy if you're new to the industry and have limited crop experience and knowledge. This will give you an introduction to agronomy, crop protection and crop nutrition.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
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.
Career path and progression
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.
Career tips
You'll have an advantage when applying for jobs or training, if you have some experience of farm work. Agricultural colleges, universities and local farms may be able to help with this.
Professional and industry bodies
For professional recognition and training opportunities you could join the Association of Independent Crop Consultants or BASIS .
Guides for this industry
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