O*NET-SOC 19-1013.00 · US REFERENCE
Soil and Plant Scientists
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Skill importance below is an O*NET US occupational rating, not a global or individual benchmark. No score here is a job-loss probability or a prediction.
Examples of work in this occupation
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
O*NET task statements describe US work; do not perform regulated or hazardous tasks without appropriate training and authorization.
Skills to examine first
Reading Comprehension
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2021-08-01
Summarise a public, role-relevant document in five points; verify each point against the source.
Speaking
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2021-08-01
Explain a safe example of your work in two minutes, then ask which point was unclear.
Science
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2021-08-01
Turn a fictional claim into a testable question; list evidence that would change your view.
Critical Thinking
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2021-08-01
Compare two approaches to a fictional task and document one counterargument for each.
Active Learning
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2021-08-01
Try one new method on a safe example and record what worked, failed and should change.
Active Listening
US occupation importance: 3.88/5 · rating last updated 2021-08-01
Ask a peer to explain a fictional work problem; paraphrase it and check what you missed.
These prompts are RolePaths practice suggestions, not O*NET instructions, training or certification.
Related work to compare
O*NET marks these occupations as related. That is a comparison starting point, not a guaranteed career transition. Check local licensing and entry requirements.
Your next seven days
- Choose one skill above and a fictional or non-confidential work example.
- Practise for 20 minutes on three days; keep one small output.
- Ask a qualified peer for feedback against clear criteria.
- Reassess the same career and record what changed.
Source and limits
Occupation definition, task examples, skill importance and related-occupation links come from the US O*NET 31.0 Database. RolePaths selected the top six skills by importance and authored the practice prompts. Career fit, local salaries, automation timing and licensing have not been verified.