Agricultural Scientist Career and Immigration options for Australia

Profile Title: Agricultural Scientist Career and Immigration options for Australia

Alternative Title:Not Defined

ANZSCO Code: 234112 | Unit Code: 2341

Skill Level: Level 1 | Work Experience: 1 Years

Assessing Bodies: Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)

Skill Occupation List (SOL): MLTSSL

Specialization: Agronomist

Profile Description: Studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries

Job Duties:

• collecting and analysing data and samples of produce, feed, soil and other factors affecting production
• advising Farmers and Farm Managers on techniques for improving the production of crops and livestock, and alternative agricultural options
• advising farmers on issues such as livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programs
• studying the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, animal breeding, and the growth and health of forest trees
• studying the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal, crop and forest production
• developing procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving the efficiency of production
• managing forest resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
• studying the propagation and culture of forest trees, methods for improving the growth of stock, and the effects of thinning on forest yields
• preparing plans for reafforestation and devising efficient harvesting systems
• investigating, planning and implementing management procedures to cope with the effects of fires, floods,droughts, soil erosion, insect pests and diseases

Skill Level Description: In Australia and New Zealand: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a Bachelor Degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Available Visa Options (As on February 2024):

• 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
• 189 - Skilled Independent (subclass 189) - Points-Tested
• 190 - Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• 407 - Training visa (subclass 407)
• 485 - Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) - Graduate Work
• 489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) - Family sponsored
• 489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) - State or Territory nominated
• 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) – Medium Term Stream
• 187 - Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) - Employer sponsored stream
• 491 - Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) State or Territory nominated
• 491 - Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored

Registration or Licensing: Not Required

Industries: Agricultural and Forestry Scientists are mainly employed in: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; and Public Administration and Safety

Education Profile: The most common level of educational attainment for Agricultural and Forestry Scientists is Post Graduate/ Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate (38.8 per cent).

Job Opening: Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Agricultural and Forestry Scientists is expected to be low (equal to or less than 5,000). Job openings count both employment growth and turnover (defined as workers leaving their occupation for other employment or leaving the workforce).

Age Group: The main age group is 25-34 years (26.6 per cent) and the median age is 46 years (compared to 40 years for all occupations).

Gender: The female share of Agricultural and Forestry Scientists is 20.0 per cent and 80.0 per cent of Agricultural and Forestry Scientists work full time. Average weekly hours for full time workers are 42.6 (compared to 40.2 for all occupations).

Earning: In August 2014 (latest available data) weekly earnings full-time before tax (and not including employer superannuation) were $1,481 (compared to earnings for all occupations of $1,200).

Employment: Employment for this occupation rose very strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years, rose slightly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Agricultural and Forestry Scientists to November 2020 is expected to grow moderately.