Agrologist

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: Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists (2123) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists (C023) 
• 2011 NOC: Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists (2123) 

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:

• develop and administer government regulations and programs
• 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
• supervise and manage activities on public land used for agricultural purposes such as ranching and grazing 
• conduct inspections and oversee food safety programs and biosecurity
• 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
• conduct environmental assessments
• manage and evaluate rangeland
• manage waste and compost
• control pests using a variety of integrated control methods.

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 occupation profile) 
• soil remediation, land reclamation and restoration
• conduct air, soil and water sampling and evaluation
• conduct greenhouse gas verification, evaluation and management
• resource planning and development
• research and development of new services and products (biological, mechanical and operating systems) 
• sales and marketing (for more information, see the Technical Sales Representative occupation profile)
• wetland evaluation and classification.

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
• remediation and reclamation 
• design and management of irrigation and drainage systems
• agri-business financial planning and lending
• water and land use planning and resource management
• education and training about particular aspects of agriculture
• pest management.

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:

• the intellect, curiosity, creativity, patience and perseverance required to solve complex problems and keep technical knowledge up to date
• good oral and written communication skills
• good organizational skills
• good analysis and problem solving skills
• interpersonal skills
• leadership skills
• conflict management skills
• the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

They should enjoy co-ordinating, analyzing and synthesizing information to develop innovative solutions to problems, working with people, and advising and supervising others.

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 schools
• consulting firms
• appraisal firms
• oil and gas companies
• land reclamation companies
• environmental 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 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:

• Public Administration (PDF) 
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Agricultural (PDF)

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 few years.

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 call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.