Agricultural Scientists studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries

Skill Level

1

Specialisations

• Agronomist

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Agricultural Scientist is Vocational Education and Training Assess (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• 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.
• Highly relevant major fields of study for a bachelor degree include:
  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Science & Management
  • Crop Science
  • Viticulture
  • Plant and Animal Production
  • Precision Agriculture
• A major in Agribusiness will be considered highly relevant if focused on agricultural science (not business, finance or economics).
• 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.

Did you know?

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

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

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).

Occupations in this Group

• 234111 Agricultural Consultant
• 234112 Agricultural Scientist
• 234113 Forester (Aus) / Forest Scientist (NZ)