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Agronomist
Crop scientist, agricultural consultant, agronomy manager
Agronomists advise farmers on soil health, disease prevention and how to improve crop production and quality.
Average salary (a year)
£22500.0
Starter
£60000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
9am to 5pm
as customers demand
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Agriculture Professional Adviser Level 6 Apprenticeship.
You might also specialise by doing a Soil Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships are equivalent to degree and postgraduate level, respectively, and can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
    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 have an advantage when applying for jobs or training, if you have some experience of farm work. Agricultural colleges, universities and local farms may be able to help with this.
    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 a career as an agronomist from:Tasty Careers, The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture, BASIS
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    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
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
    Other Requirements
    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.
    Related Restrictions
    have a full driving licence
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    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
    We've identified this as a 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.
    Working environment
    You could work in an office, on a farm, at a research facility or visit sites.
    You may need to wear protective clothing.
    Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    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.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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