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Agrologist

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

Also Known As

Analyst (Agribusiness / Agricultural / Environmental Policy), Specialist (Agriculture / Beef / Crop / Farm Management / Farm Marketing / Pork / Remediation and Reclamation / Soil), Economist (Agricultural / Natural Resource), Scientist (Environmental / Livestock / Research / Soil)

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2123: Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists

2006 NOC-S

  • C023: Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists

2011 NOC

  • 2123: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists

2016 NOC

  • 2123: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists

2021 NOC

  • 21112: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists

2023 OaSIS

  • 21112.00: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019

Agrologists may be involved in agricultural or environmental science and technology fields ranging from agronomy, food and fibre production, processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing to the protection of soil, water, plant, and wildlife resources.

Agrologists employed in the public sector may:

  • Develop and administer government regulations and programs and make recommendations for agricultural and resource use policies
  • Develop and distribute information and advice for the public and stakeholders in the agri-business and agri-food industries
  • Develop and distribute information and training materials targeted to various producers, such as grain farmers or livestock producers
  • Review and make recommendations on reports and certificates, such as wetland assessments and reclamation certificates
  • Supervise and manage activities on public land turned to agricultural uses such as ranching and grazing
  • Inspect and oversee food safety programs and biosecurity
  • Anticipate economic opportunities and challenges and come up with appropriate strategies
  • Promote sustainable development of agricultural resources
  • Act as liaisons between researchers, government personnel, business managers, environmental groups, educators, and others
  • Research and prepare reports
  • Conduct environmental assessments
  • Manage and evaluate rangeland
  • Manage waste and compost
  • Control pests using appropriate integrated control methods

Agrologists employed in the private sector may:

  • Be involved in crop or livestock production
  • Manage production input
  • Manage agri-food businesses
  • Make sure products meet quality and regulatory requirements
  • Take and evaluate air, soil and water samples
  • Evaluate and control the production of greenhouse gases
  • Work on soil conservation (see the Soil Scientist occupation profile)
  • Be involved in soil remediation, land reclamation and restoration
  • Assess and evaluate rangeland and vegetation
  • Evaluate and classify wetland
  • Be involved in resource planning and development
  • Research and develop new biological, mechanical, and operating systems
  • Perform sales and marketing tasks related to agricultural inputs and environmental resources (see the Technical Sales Representative occupation profile)

Agrologists usually specialize in specific fields such as:

  • Beef, pork, poultry, or diversified livestock production
  • Grain production and other field crops
  • Farm management
  • Agri-business development and marketing
  • Soil and land management
  • Remediation and reclamation
  • Design and management of irrigation and drainage systems
  • Agri-business lending and financial planning
  • Water- and land-use planning
  • Resource management
  • Education and training for particular aspects of agriculture
  • Pest management
  • Environmental assessment
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Agrologists can work in offices, research centres, or processing and manufacturing facilities. They can also work in farm fields, ranch pastures, oil or gas sites, pipelines, or wooded areas. They may spend a lot of time travelling. They may follow regular office hours, but can often be doing field work evenings and weekends. Agrologists’ workloads may vary depending on the season and their specialization.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists

2006 NOC: 2123

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in co-ordinating information to conduct research and evaluate agricultural data; and in maintaining records of services provided and the results achieved

SOCIAL

Interest in liaising with researchers, educators and government and business managers on farming and agriculture

DIRECTIVE

Interest in consulting to provide counselling and advisory services, and to conduct advisory information sessions and lectures for farmers and other groups

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2019

Agrologists need:

  • Curiosity, creativity, patience, and perseverance
  • Organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • Analytical thinking
  • Interpersonal, conflict resolution, and leadership skills
  • The ability to work efficiently
  • The ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • A familiarity with the logistics of farm operations and the industry in general

They should enjoy:

  • Co-ordinating, analyzing, and synthesizing information to come up with innovative solutions to problems
  • Working with people
  • Advising and supervising others

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists

2016 NOC: 2123

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 21 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 19, 2022 and Mar 27, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills
Tasks: Maintain records of services provided and the effects of advice given
Tasks: Prepare and conduct advisory information sessions and lectures for farmers and other groups
Construction Specialization: Team player
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication
Construction Specialization: Organized
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication
Attention to detail
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

In Alberta, agrologists must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree in agriculture or environmental science that is recognized by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), or equivalent education, plus the course credits required by AIA Council.

Agrologists also need to keep their technical knowledge up to date.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Concordia University of Edmonton
Medicine Hat College

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Agrologist

Agrologists provide advice and services related to agricultural and environmental science and technology. They apply scientific principles and practices to the cultivation, production, utilization and improvement of plants and animals, and the management of associated resources.

Legislation

Under Alberta's Agrology Profession Act and Agrology Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) is mandatory if you meet identified educational and 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 or Agrologist in Training.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Agrologist.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019

Agrologists may work for government departments, applied research associations or manufacturers and suppliers of agriculture production inputs. These could include fertilizers, pesticides, feedstuffs, seeds, and livestock. They may also work for:

  • Farm business advisory services
  • Financial institutions
  • Agri-food companies
  • Agricultural producers
  • Conservation authorities
  • Educational organizations
  • Consulting firms
  • Appraisal firms
  • Oil and gas companies
  • Land reclamation companies
  • Environmental companies

Self-employed agrologists work on a contract basis.

New graduates may have to do seasonal work to gain experience. With experience, agrologists may advance to supervisory and management roles. A graduate degree is required for some managerial positions. With a doctoral degree, agrologists may direct and administer research programs or teach at the university level.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 2123: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists occupational group, 76.2% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2123: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists

2016 NOC: 2123
Average Wage
$42.03
Per Hour
Average Salary
$83,832.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2123 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $24.00 $39.88 $29.12 $28.85
Overall $28.60 $84.15 $42.03 $40.00
Top $31.64 $166.67 $62.02 $53.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Wholesale Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
37%
37%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
9%
9%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
1%
1%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Agriculture and Related Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2019

Agri-Food Innovation Council (AIC) website: www.aic.ca

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website: www.alberta.ca/agriculture-forestry-and-rural-economic-development.aspx

Alberta Environment and Parks website: www.alberta.ca/ministry-environment-parks.aspx

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

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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