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Agronomist

Alternative titles for this job include Crop scientist, agricultural consultant, agronomy manager

Agronomists advise farmers on soil management and crop production.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an 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 HNC, foundation degree or degree in subjects like:

  • 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 qualifications you can apply for a graduate training scheme. You may find opportunities with:

  • independent consultancies
  • companies selling agro-chemicals, seed or fertiliser products
  • land and farming charities
  • government departments

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could gain relevant skills and knowledge from a course like a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture.

With experience, this may help you work towards an agronomy and professional adviser 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this role through an agriculture professional adviser higher apprenticeship. When you're on this apprenticeship, you'll need to follow the agronomy and professional adviser pathway.

Entry requirements

Most people following this route have:

  • 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 

More Information

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.

More Information

Career tips

You'll need lots of experience of working on farms as you need a thorough understanding of agriculture.

Professional and industry bodies

For professional recognition and training opportunities you could join the Association of Independent Crop Consultants or BASIS.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become an agronomist from Tasty Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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 competently

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.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • advise farmers on land management and how to improve their crop yields
  • study soil, water and other factors which affect crop growth
  • create chemical treatment plans to keep crops free of pests and weeds
  • record information on plant growth and environmental conditions
  • carry out field trials to solve clients' crop problems
  • collect and analyse crop yield and financial data
  • keep up to date with product developments and legislation

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could specialise in precision farming methods 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an agronomist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Level 3 National Diploma Agriculture

  • Provider: HARTPURY COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Gloucester

Agriculture Level 3 Extended Diploma

  • Provider: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Moreton Morrell
Find courses near you

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