Sector
Agriculture
Keyword

Soil Scientist, Soil Science

Minimum ? Preferably Bachelor?s degree in Agriculture

Minimum 0 ? 2 years of work experience in related field

The tasks a Soil Scientist is expected to perform include:

Studying soil characteristics

Classifying or determining land capabilities

Appling the findings to problems connected with agriculture, forestry, horticulture and construction of dams, roads, buildings, etc.

Studying genesis and fertility of soil by examining their various layers

Examining particle size and porosity of soil to determine its physical characteristics

Conducting chemical analysis of inorganic and organic constituents of various soil layers

Conducting experiments to determine micro-biological nutrition in soil for optimum plant growth and recommending appropriate fertilizer dose

Developing methods for control of erosion, alkalinity, salinity, acidity, etc. of soil

Conducting soil survey and soil classification to indicate them on map

Investigating problems relating to stabilization of roads, dams, buildings, etc.

Skilled in research and development, especially related to soil sciences

Knowledge of soil biology, soil physics, soil chemistry, etc.

Proficient in handling large amounts of data

Knowledge of computer programmes and data analysis techniques

Aware of similar research work done in the past

Ability to incorporate the research work of other scientists in their own work

Efficient in presenting the results of their work to farmers and colleagues

Proficient in English language

Knowledge of scientific rules and methods to solve problems

Familiar with product engineering, equipment research and designing

Knowledge of different soil types and their properties

Knowledge of soil requirement for different crops

Ability to prepare clear/accurate activity reports and presentations

Will be updated

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Team player

Analytic thinker

Hardworking and persistent

Result-oriented

Self-motivated

It is a field job

Work from home is not applicable

Part-time work and contractual jobs maybe available

May require supervising a team

Local travelling maybe part of the job

Working hours

Workinghours are9 hours everyday for 6 days a week

Overtime may be involved

Shift system maybe involved

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?Yes

This job is not considered hazardous or dangerous

Health risks include exposure to extreme weather conditions, pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.

Occupational hazards include accidents like burns and injury to body from using sharp tools, etc.

For freshers - INR 8,000 to INR 24,000 per monthFor candidates with experience ? INR 26,00 to INR 85,000 per month(These figures are indicative and subject to change)

Importance of Research in Agriculture Sector in IndiaAccording to a report published by ICAR, Government of India, the food demanded globally is expected to double by 2050, while the resources are continuously shrinking. To increase food production per hectare of the yield, heads of the governments during the World Food Summit 2008, had reaffirmed the commitment to address challenges of high food prices, climate change and bio-energy. Role of agricultural research, policy support and institutional innovations were cited for reshaping agriculture to meet future demand for food and to eliminate hunger. Research and development focus along with institutional framework and policy support needs to match emerging agricultural scenario of the country. The ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture in India through its research and technology development that has enabled the country to increase the production of food grains by 5 times, horticultural crops by 9.5 times, fish by 12.5 times, milk 7.8 times and eggs 39 times since 1951 to 2014, thus making a visible impact on the national food and nutritional security. All this was only possible because of the scientific experiments in the field of agriculture.The growing awareness about the importance of agriculture scientists in the country and abroad will ensure good opportunities for Soil Scientists.

Agriculture co-operative organizations

Government research institutes

NGO?- s

Farm owners

Private research companies

Job openings are in Tier I, Tier II and Tier III cities