Agronomist

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could start your career by doing an Agriculture Professional Adviser Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship.

When you're on this apprenticeship, you'll need to follow the agronomy option.

This apprenticeship can take up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• experience in related work

OtherRoutes

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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 thorough and pay attention to detail
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Agronomists advise farmers on soil health, disease prevention and how to improve crop production and quality.

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

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

Location : You could work in an office, on a farm, at a research facility or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £22,500
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm as customers demand

Career Path:

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.