Agrologists provide advice and services related to agricultural and environmental science and technology. They apply scientific principles to the production, improvement, use, processing and marketing of plants and animals, and the management of related resources.

Agrologists may be involved in agricultural science and technology fields ranging from farming, food processing, packaging, transportation and marketing to the protection of soil, water and wildlife resources. Those employed in the public sector may:

• develop and distribute information and advice for the public and stakeholders in the agri-business and agri-food industries
• develop and distribute specialized information and training materials for producers (for example, grain farmers, livestock producers)
• manage and co-ordinate government programs and make recommendations regarding agricultural and resource use policies
• conduct inspections and oversee food safety programs
• anticipate economic opportunities and challenges, and develop appropriate strategies
• promote the sustainable development of agricultural resources
• act as liaisons between researchers, government personnel, business managers, environmental groups, educators and others
• conduct research and prepare research reports.

Agrologists employed in the private sector may be involved in:

• crop or livestock production
• market development
• production input management
• agri-food business management
• ensuring products meet quality and regulatory requirements
• soil conservation (for more information, see the Soil Scientist occupational profile) 
• land reclamation
• revegetation
• research and development of new products and services
• sales and marketing (for more information, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile).

Agrologists usually specialize in specific fields such as:

• beef, pork, poultry or diversified livestock production
• production of grain and other field crops
• farm management 
• agri-business development and marketing
• soil and land management
• reclamation and remediation
• design and management of irrigation and drainage systems
• agri-business financial planning and lending
• land use planning
• education and training about particular aspects of agriculture.

Working environments in this occupation range from offices and research settings to processing and manufacturing facilities to farm fields and ranch pastures. In rural areas, agrologists may spend long hours travelling. They generally work weekday office hours but may be required to do some evening and weekend work. Workloads may vary depending on the season.

In Alberta, agrologists must have a four year bachelor's degree in agrology that is recognized by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), or equivalent, and complete an Agrologist in Training program. Recognized university programs are listed on the AIA website.

Entrance requirements for recognized programs vary from one program and institution to another. However, in general, they include a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and one other approved Grade 12 subject. A high school diploma and/or Physics 30 may be required. Math 31 is recommended for some programs. For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check the calendars or websites of the following universities:

• University of Alberta in Edmonton
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge.

Post-secondary institutions throughout the province offer university transfer programs that allow students to apply up to two years of study toward university bachelor's degree programs. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the courses they choose to take will be accepted for credit at the institution to which they wish to transfer.

Under Alberta's Agrology Profession Act and Agrology Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Only registered members may call themselves a Professional Agrologist, Registered Technologist in Agrology, Agrologist in Training or Agrology Technologist in Training.

Agrologists work for:

• federal, provincial and municipal government departments
• manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural production inputs (for example, fertilizers, pesticides, feedstuffs, seeds, livestock)
• farm business advisory services
• financial institutions
• agri-food companies
• agricultural producers 
• conservation authorities
• educational institutions
• consulting firms
• appraisal firms
• oil and gas companies
• land reclamation companies.

Self-employed agrologists work on a contract basis.

New graduates may work on a seasonal basis until they gain experience. A doctoral degree is usually required to direct and administer research programs or teach at the university level.

Experienced agrologists may advance to supervisory and management positions. A graduate degree is required for some management positions.

Agrologists are part of the National Occupational Classification 2123: Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists. In Alberta, 82 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Agriculture
• Wholesale Trade.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists occupational group earned from $14.00 to $69.23 an hour. The average wage was $27.48 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC) website: www.aic.ca

Alberta Agriculture and Food website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca

Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) website: www.aia.ab.ca