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ESCO occupation

agricultural scientist

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Agricultural scientists research and study soil, animals and plants with the objective of improving agricultural processes, the quality of agricultural products or the impact of agricultural processes on the environment. They plan and implement projects such as development projects on behalf of clients or institutions.

2132.1 ISCO 2132 ESCO source
Competences
74
Groups
4
Essential
53
Optional
21

Competences and skills

74 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 11 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
agroecology

The study and application of ecological and agronomic concepts and principles to agricultural production systems.

green
ESCO source
agroforestry

The application of land management systems and technologies that integrate trees and other woody perennials with traditional cropland farming in order to sustain agricultural production while ensuring the protection of the natural environment.

green
ESCO source
e-agriculture

The design and application of innovative ICT solutions in agriculture, horticulture, viniculture, fishery, forestry and livestock management.

digital
ESCO source
livestock farming systems

The allocation of farming resources in relation to livestock farming and husbandry systems.

Scope note
Both organic and non-organic farming systems
ESCO source
project management

The discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
bioeconomy

The production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy.

green
ESCO source
environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry

Awareness on environmental legislation, policies, principles relevant for agriculture and forestry. Awareness of the impact on the environment of local agricultural procedures and practices. Means to adjust the production to new environmental regulations and policies.

green
ESCO source
environmental policy

Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.

green
ESCO source
project management principles

Different elements and phases of project management.

Scope note
The different phases of project management include the development of the overall planning, planning of resources for projects, implementation, execution, performance control, project end and the evaluation of outcome.
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research design

The set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.

ESCO source
scientific literature

The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 42 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

12 competences
advise on soil and water protection

Advise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.

green
ESCO source
create soil and plant improvement programmes

Develop and advise on implementation of soil health and plant nutrition programs.

green
ESCO source
cultivate crops for biomass

Carry out the cultivation of crops for bio-mass, process of crops for bio-mass.

green
ESCO source
educate on recycling regulations

Educate organisations and individuals on the correct procedures and legislation concerning the recycling of different types of waste in different types of containers, waste collection procedures, and on the sanctions following non-compliance to legislation.

green
ESCO source
identify process improvements

Identify possible improvements to operational and financial performance, in order to increase productivity, efficiency, quality, and streamline procedures.

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

research
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monitor the farm environmental management plan

Identify environmental designations and directives that relate to a given farm and incorporate their requirements in to the farm planning process. Monitor the implementation of the farm environmental management plan and review timescales.

green
ESCO source
operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
provide advice to farmers

Provide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.

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provide advice to hatcheries

Provide recommendations for the installation and well functioning of hatcheries.

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report pollution incidents

When an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.

green
ESCO source
research livestock production

Collect and use the livestock production facts and the results of analysis as a input to scientific research. Research and keep up to date with any relevant developments in livestock production review and gather information to inform business decisions

ESCO source

Cross-sector

30 competences
advise on efficiency improvements

Analyse information and details of processes and products in order to advise on possible efficiency improvements that could be implemented and would signify a better use of resources.

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apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

research
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

research
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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

research
ESCO source
conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

research
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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

research
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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

research
ESCO source
disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

research
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

research
ESCO source
evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

research
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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

research
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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

research
ESCO source
interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

research
ESCO source
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
ESCO source
manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

research
ESCO source
perform market research

Gather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

research
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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

research
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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

research
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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

research
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report on environmental issues

Compile environmental reports and communicate on issues. Inform the public or any interested parties in a given context on relevant recent developments in the environment, forecasts on the future of the environment, and any problems and possible solutions.

green
ESCO source
speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

research
ESCO source
synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

research
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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

research
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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

research
ESCO source
Optional knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
climate smart agriculture

An integrated approach to landscape management that aims at increasing food productivity, enhance crop resilience, ensure food safety and reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

green
ESCO source
conservation agriculture

The techniques, methods and principles that promote a sustainable use of land and soil in crop production. It is based on the three principles of permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, and diversification of plant species.

green
ESCO source
consultation methods

Techniques used to facilitate clear and open communication and the provision of advice between individuals, communities or the government, such as discussion groups or one-on-one interviews.

ESCO source
organic farming

Principles, techniques and regulations of organic farming. Organic farming or ecological agriculture is an agricultural production method, which places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and ecological balance.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

2 competences
integrated food-energy systems

The integration of food and energy production into farming or food production systems.

green
ESCO source
multidisciplinary research

The research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
comply with farm regulations

Ensure that farm activities comply with regulations.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

6 competences
advise on irrigation projects

Advise on the construction of irrigation projects. Review contractor orders to ensure the compatibility of the design with installation concepts and pre-existent grounds master plan. Monitor the contractor's work.

ESCO source
apply precision farming

Using modern technologies and equipment with high precision positioning systems, geo-mapping and/or automated steering systems for agricultural activities.

digitalgreen
ESCO source
assess new farming technologies

Evaluate the development of new farming technologies and ideas in light of their use and appropriateness to a given farming situation.

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inspect project regulations

Inspect projects for regulation and specification compliance. Formulate recommendations to existing specifications and plans.

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manage fisheries projects

Consult with contractors from both the governmental and private sectors in fisheries projects such as restoration efforts. Go over the proposed plans and provide expertise. Prepare applications for fisheries program grants. Provide technical assistance to civic fisheries projects. Study the impact of environmental changes on waters. Resolve complaints from the public. Prepare prescriptions to identify fisheries problems and recommend solutions.

green
ESCO source
use agronomic modelling

Build and apply physical and mathematical formulae in order to study farmer's fertilisation, manage irrigation scheduling, define breeding targets, support cultivation choices in a given environment and evaluate the environmental performance of crop productions.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

8 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
comply with legal regulations

Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.

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ensure compliance with environmental legislation

Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

green
ESCO source
evaluate employees work

Evaluate the need for labour for the work ahead. Evaluate the performance of the team of workers and inform superiors. Encourage and support the employees in learning, teach them techniques and check the application to ensure product quality and labour productivity.

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lead a team

Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

research
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train employees

Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

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train staff on recycling programs

Train employees on the type of recycling methods and programs available for a company and all its procedures and policies that should be taken account of.

green
ESCO source