Agricultural Scientist - ANZSCO 234112

SOL | State SOL | Employer SOL| Regional

Description
Studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries.

Skill Level 1

Specialisations
Agronomist

Closely related Occupations in ANSZCO Unit Group 2341
 Agricultural Consultant
 Forester (Aus) / Forest Scientist (NZ)

Skills Assessment Authority VETASSESS | Caveats Group A | VETASSESS-FAQ | Your Career | My Future

Caveats No caveats 

Endorsed Correlations to ASCO Occupations
2114-19 Agricultural Scientist

Group: 2341 Agricultural and Forestry Scientists

Description
advise farmers, rural industries and government on aspects of farming, develop techniques for increasing productivity, and study and develop plans and policies for the management of forest areas.

Tasks
collecting and analysing data and samples of produce, feed, soil and other factors affecting production
advising Farmers and Farm Managers on techniques for improving the production of crops and livestock, and alternative agricultural options
advising farmers on issues such as livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programs
studying the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, animal breeding, and the growth and health of forest trees
studying the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal, crop and forest production
developing procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving the efficiency of production
managing forest resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
studying the propagation and culture of forest trees, methods for improving the growth of stock, and the effects of thinning on forest yields
preparing plans for reafforestation and devising efficient harvesting systems
investigating, planning and implementing management procedures to cope with the effects of fires, floods, droughts, soil erosion, insect pests and diseases

Specialisations
Agricultural Scientists may have applied employment/research in:
 biotechnology for Agriculture
 agronomy
 livestock health / nutrition and/or breeding
 flora (agricultural) health / nutrition and/or breeding
 soil science (specific to agricultural land)
 production process (not including food technology)
 fertilisers and pesticides
 precision agriculture, big data science and internet of things (related to
agriculture)
Employment as an Agricultural Economist or as a Food Technologist / Scientist
researching in post-production of primary products cannot be considered under this
occupation. These specialisations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO.

Skill Level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Requirements for Skills Assessment
This occupation requires a qualification which is assessed as comparable to the
educational level an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or
higher*, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
Applicants must also have at least one year of highly relevant, post-qualification
employment, at an appropriate skill level completed in the last five years.
If the qualification(s) are not at the required educational level, and not in a highly
relevant field of study, or if the employment has been completed prior to the
qualification, then the applicant will be assessed below the required skill level.
*This includes qualifications assessed at AQF Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level.
A positive assessment of both qualifications and employment is required for a positive
Skills Assessment Outcome.

Qualification
AQF Bachelor degree or higher*
Highly relevant major fields of study include:
 Agricultural Science
 Animal Science & Management
 Crop Science
 Viticulture
 Plant and Animal Production
 Precision Agriculture
Agricultural Science is the study of the science and management of plant and animal
farming and the sustainable production of food and fibre.

A major in Agribusiness will be considered highly relevant if focused on agricultural
science (not business, finance or economics).
Qualifications in certain science fields* may be accepted on a case by case basis if the
program consists of sufficient subjects in Agricultural systems, Agronomy, Animal
science, Agricultural chemistry, Grazing systems, Plant cultivation, Primary production
and other relevant subjects in the specialised field.
*Those fields of study which may be considered include:
 Horticulture
 Biotechnology
 Veterinary Science
 Agricultural Engineering
 Botany / Zoology
 Environmental Science
 Irrigation / Soil Science
 Forestry

Employment
In Australia, there are currently no legal requirements for licensing or registration
for the occupation of Agricultural Scientist.