Transcript Becoming a Horticultural Scientist

Agricultural Careers
Horticultural Scientist
By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens
Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
Georgia Department of Education
June 2005
Job Duties & Responsibilities
• Find ways to improve the quality and value of plant production.
• Conduct experiments to find ways to control pests and diseases.
• Analyze the results of experiments.
• Supervise technical and research staff.
• Advise horticultural and agricultural companies.
• Read research papers by other scientists.
• Publish findings in scientific and farming magazines.
• Maintain contact with other scientists nationally and internationally.
• Write applications for grants for agricultural/horticultural research.
• Manage research budgets.
Qualities and Skills
• Need to be physically fit and
healthy
• A lot of the research is field-based
therefore some physical effort is
involved
• Need to have good hand-eye coordination for laboratory work
• Good research skills
• Ability to analyze information
• Ability to manage and organize
• Needs to have good oral and
written skills
Salary
Salaries vary, but horticultural scientists usually earn between $40,000
and $100,000 per year, depending on experience and responsibility.
Horticultural scientists with a PhD and some post-doctoral experience
usually start at around $50,000.
Work Environment
• Horticultural scientists work indoors
in offices, laboratories and
glasshouses
• Outside work is done on farms and
orchards
• Travel may be required locally to talk
to farmers and overseas to attend
conferences
• Horticultural scientists may come into
contact with chemicals and radioactive
materials during their research
• Work in various weather conditions
Becoming a Horticultural Scientist
• In high school take advanced courses in mathematics, science,
economics, accounting, and computer skills.
• Classes should include: agriculture science, especially in horticulture.
Agricultural management, agriculture work experience, biology,
chemistry algebra, probability and statistics will also be valuable.
Career Resources
American Horticultural Society
7931 East Boulevard Dr.
Alexandria VA 22308
Internet: www.ahs.org/
American Society for Horticultural
Science
113 South West St, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
Internet: www.ashs.org/