Horticultural Scientist
234112 · HeavySoil and plant scientists research different types of soil and how they affect plant growth, crops and pests.
Description
Studies commercial plants, and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries.
Typical work tasks
• Studies the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, and the growth and health of forest trees; studies the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on crop and forest production; develops procedures and techniques for solving horticultural problems and improving the efficiency of production.
Typical work environment
<p>• Studies the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, and the growth and health of forest trees; studies the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on crop and forest production; develops procedures and techniques for solving horticultural problems and improving the efficiency of production.</p>
Typical physical and mental demands
• Medium physical demand. Frequently sits in office or laboratory.
• Frequently stands and walks in office, glasshouse, laboratory and when on-site to observe and collect samples.
• There is occasional lifting, carrying or pulling within medium to heavy physical range when working with soils, plants and related equipment.
• Occasional bending, squatting or crouching and stretching, twisting, climbing may be required in fieldwork.
• Occasional contact with skin irritants and/or water may be required.
• Protective clothing may be required.
• Driving may be required to undertake fieldwork.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand-held objects and equipment including general laboratory equipment, computing, electronic microscopes, specimen preservation and storage tools and materials.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with technical, computing, research, laboratory, analytical, report writing, communication, organisational, problem solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Requires a substantial formal qualification.
How this was determined (model-generated): Relevant tertiary qualification required; no licence gate.
Entry Requirements
• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
Further Comments
There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.