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)
Interest in co-ordinating information to conduct research and evaluate agricultural data; and in maintaining records of services provided and the results achieved
Interest in liaising with researchers, educators and government and business managers on farming and agriculture
Interest in consulting to provide counselling and advisory services, and to conduct advisory information sessions and lectures for farmers and other groups
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 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.
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. Those employed in the public sector may:
Agrologists employed in the private sector may be involved in:
Agrologists usually specialize in specific fields such as:
Agrologists may work in offices, research centres, processing and manufacturing facilities, farm fields or ranch pastures. Agrologists may spend many hours travelling. They generally work regular office hours, but are often required to do field work that may involve evening and weekend work. Workloads may vary depending on the season and the agrologist's specialization.
Agrologists need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy co-ordinating, analyzing and synthesizing information to develop innovative solutions to problems, working with people, and advising and supervising others.
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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.
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.
Membership as a Professional Agrologist requires a recognized 4-year bachelor's degree in agriculture or environmental science, plus the course credits required by AIA Council and completion of the Agrologist in Training program. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the AIA website or contact the AIA.
Agrologists who are registered and in good standing with an Agrologist Institute elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated agrologists, see Agrologist Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
Alberta Institute of Agrologists
Suite 1430, 5555 Calgary Trail, NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6H 5P9
Phone number: 780-435-0606
Fax number: 780-435-2155
Email: info@aia.ab.ca
Website: www.albertaagrologists.ca
Agrologists work for:
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 larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2123: Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.22 | $39.15 | $27.27 | $26.00 |
| Overall | $28.00 | $46.89 | $37.52 | $35.50 |
| Top | $33.65 | $61.97 | $49.58 | $51.59 |
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* 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC) website: www.aic.ca
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Alberta Environment and Parks website: aep.alberta.ca
Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) website: www.albertaagrologists.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 16, 2016. 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.