To become an agrologist, you must have a natural interest in ecology, agriculture, the environment, and farming. Below we've outlined what you'll need to succeed in this profession.
We've included helpful information relevant to working as an agrologist, such as job description, job duties, a list of possible employers and much more!
Agrologist Job Description
Agrologists are responsible for providing advice and services related to agricultural and environmental science. Agrologists also apply scientific principles to the cultivation, production and utilization of animals and plants.
General Job Duties Involved
• Perform pest control using bio-control methods
• Manage and evaluate rangeland
• Conduct environmental assessments
• Give presentations and speak at seminars, conferences, academic institutions and other gatherings
• Supervise and manage activities on public land that is used for agricultural purposes such as ranching and grazing
• Promote the sustainable development of agricultural and related resources
• Oversee food safety programs
• Develop and distribute information and advice for the public and stakeholders in the agri-business and agri-food industries
• May develop and administer government regulations and programs relating to agriculture
• Manage and coordinate government programs and make recommendations regarding agricultural and resource use policies
Education and Accreditation Needed
To become a professional agrologist, you need to begin by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture or a closely related field such as Botany or Environmental Science.
If you want to work as a consultant in the agricultural, environmental and horticulture sectors, you typically need a master’s degree in agriculture or a closely related field. To work in research and university teaching positions a Ph.D. in Agriculture is needed.
In most provinces and states, agrologists must be certified and hold membership in a professional association. The requirements for certification and Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) status vary among regions.
P.Ag. (Professional Agrologist) Designation
Achieving the designation of Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) demonstrates your level of commitment to the agri-food, agri-life science and the agrology industry, as professional agrologists must abide by certain standards in the practice of their profession.
In addition to demonstrating professional commitment, earning the designation P.Ag. helps you become more competitive in the job market as a new graduate, and grants you national employment mobility; this designation allows to access greater opportunities within the field of agrology, as well as develop important contacts. Please visit your national, provincial, or state agrology association for information on how to achieve the P.Ag. designation.
Who Employs Agrologists?
There are many employers, representing many different sectors of industry that are interested in the skills and knowledge of agrologists. Below is an example of the types of employers within this field.
• Agribusinesses
• Agriculture consulting and farm management firms
• Banks
• Colleges and universities
• Conservation organizations
• Environmental consulting firms
• Farms
• Federal, state/provincial/territorial, or municipal government departments
• Foreign aid agencies
• International agriculture projects
• Land reclamation companies
Gaining Career Experience as a Student
Landing an internship opportunity, working with professors and other faculty on research projects, or getting a summer job in agriculture, environmental science, botany or related career fields are all great ways to gain career experience for your resume. Speak to your school's career services office, as well as your professors, in order to learn about any available positions.
How to Get a Job as an Agrologist
Now that you've acquired an education, a career focus, skills in agrology and research experience, you're ready to become an agrologist! The last thing you have to do is nail the interview...once you earn one.
Your last step to becoming an agrologistis to make a list of possible employers and suitable positions, and start handing out resumes. Do your research and figure out which companies are hiring botanists and related positions; these employers will be in a variety of sectors.
Working Conditions in This Profession
Agrologists typically spend their time in a variety of settings; in the field, in an office and possibly in manufacturing facilities. They typically work normal weekday working hours, although their duties may involve working into the evening and on weekends from time to time.
Agrologists may have to spend various amounts of time traveling for field visits and their workloads may be heavier during certain seasons.
Job Postings - Current Opportunities
Our job board below has "Agrologist" postings in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Careers Similar to This in Our Database
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to agrologist, as they typically involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• Botanist
• Farmer
References for this Guide
Please utilize the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as an agrologist.
Occupations in Alberta: “Agrologist.” (March 31, 2019). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
About BCIA: “What Does an Agrologist Do?” (n.d.). British Columbia Institute of Agrologists website. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
About: “What’s an Agrologist?” (n.d.). Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists website. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
Relevant Scholarships
The 'Relevant Fields of Study' section below shows fields of study that are relevant to a career as an agrologist. You can search for scholarships matched to those fields of study on our Biology Scholarships, Botany Scholarships and Environmental Science Scholarships pages.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Relevant Fields of Study
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point for working in this field. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
