Agrarbiologe/Agrarbiologin

Resources include shaping future agricultural systems together, vocational training (Ausbildung) in agriculture, further education and university studies (Studium), biology in our time, education for sustainable development (BNE), current biology, your future: biosciences, plant breeders, digitalization in agriculture, model and demonstration projects (MuD) for animal welfare, livestock farming strategy, sustainable animal husbandry in Germany, OA Open Agrar, online study guide 'Master in Biosciences', top agrar, vifabio - virtual specialist library for biology.

Climate adaptation in agriculture is becoming crucial due to changing soil and weather conditions, including heatwaves, droughts, storms, and floods. Agricultural workers must adapt by, for example, using water more efficiently or investing in environmentally friendly irrigation techniques. Agri-photovoltaics (Agri-PV) on agricultural land protects harvests from extreme weather events while generating solar power. Agricultural workers will need to address climatic changes and take precautions. Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture are also significant trends. The agriculture of the future should be efficient, sustainable, and socially acceptable. In this regard, autonomous, AI-based swarm robots enable soil-friendly cultivation. Sensors collect data on soil quality, moisture, and weather using deep learning.

The following interests are important and helpful for success in this field of study. Interests are listed in order of importance. Activities are provided for illustration for each interest area. Interest in organizational-auditing activities, for example, surveying and mapping soil, flora, and fauna; documenting water consumption of specific plants; monitoring genetic experiments. Interest in theoretical-abstract activities, for example, measuring water levels on an experimental field; analyzing animal characteristics after grazing experiments. Interest in practical-concrete activities, for example, breeding new grain varieties.

Agricultural biologists primarily work in laboratories, in office and meeting rooms, outdoors (e.g., on agricultural experimental fields), and in animal stables. Additionally, they may also work in home offices or remotely.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during university studies (Studium) include: Agricultural biology, biotechnology, soil science, development, research, laboratory work and laboratory techniques, microbiology, molecular agriculture, plant physiology, plant protection, plant breeding, animal husbandry, and animal production. Further competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession include: Species protection, bacteriology, biochemistry, bonitur (plant assessment), botany, creating scientific publications, genetic engineering, expert and appraisal activities, climate change adaptation, customer consulting and support, teaching activities (university), nature conservation, ecology, patent and trademark law, biochar, phytopathology (study of plant diseases), project management, quality management, rainwater management, proof of expertise according to the Plant Protection Expert Ordinance, toxicology, environmental monitoring, environmental law, experimental execution and evaluation, virology, scientific documentation.

The advancing digitalization of the working world can change task areas and requirement profiles. For agricultural biologists, opportunities may arise to deal with the following technologies, procedures, or systems: Digital Topographic Maps - DTK (e.g., creating ecological reports for nature and landscape protection based on digital map material), Document Management Systems - DMS (e.g., managing and analyzing results from biotechnological, genetic, and molecular technical experiments or test series), Drone technology (e.g., monitoring and scientifically accompanying biotechnological or genetic experiments), Geographic Information Systems - GIS (e.g., conducting surveys and mapping of soil, flora, and fauna), Laboratory Information Systems - LIS (e.g., analyzing and further developing fertilizers and plant protection products), Narrow-Band-IoT (e.g., transmitted data on soil moisture and temperature, and rainfall amounts in W...

Agricultural biologists prepare environmental impact assessments and work with partially genetically modified materials. This requires a high degree of responsibility and a meticulous working style. Laboratory examinations demand precise observation, dexterity, concentration, and perseverance. To analyze and evaluate the effects of various agricultural production methods, agricultural biologists need analytical thinking skills. They skillfully organize and coordinate data collection and mapping. When working as lecturers at universities, they also apply current pedagogical and subject-specific didactic knowledge, measuring the quality of their teaching by student progress and feedback. For interdisciplinary collaboration with representatives of other disciplines and for advising users on the application possibilities of new products, communication skills are essential.

Agricultural biologists can work freelance in areas such as project management, consulting, and expert appraisal activities.

Example gross basic salary in the public service sector (monthly): 4,489 € to 6,765 €. Example gross basic salary in the commercial sector (monthly): 5,473 € to 6,439 €. These figures are for orientation only and no claims can be derived from them. Sources: Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L), Tariff collection of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs.

Research and development in natural sciences, engineering, agricultural sciences, and medicine, specifically in biotechnology and other scientific fields. Higher education institutions such as universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and vocational academies. Chemical industry, including the manufacture of pesticides, plant protection products, disinfectants, fertilizers, and nitrogen compounds. Pharmaceutical industry, including the manufacture of pharmaceutical specialties and other pharmaceutical products. Public administration, such as general public administration (e.g., agricultural offices) and environmental and nature conservation public administration (e.g., specialized authorities for landscape and nature conservation). Economic and professional associations, such as professional organizations (e.g., breeding associations) and economic and employer associations (e.g., farmers' associations). Also conceivable: agriculture, providing agricultural services for crop production.

To work in this profession, a completed undergraduate (grundständig) degree in agricultural biology or biology is usually required. Leadership positions or specialized tasks often require a master's (Masterstudium) degree. Activities in science and research frequently necessitate a doctorate (Promotion) or habilitation (Habilitation).

Agricultural biology (undergraduate), agricultural biology (postgraduate), biology (undergraduate), biology (postgraduate).

Agricultural biologists primarily find employment in research institutes at universities, in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry, at agricultural offices, professional organizations, or economic associations. Furthermore, they also find employment in agriculture, development cooperation, and with nature conservation organizations.

Job title: Agricultural Biologist. English job titles: Agricultural scientist (m/f), Agriculturist (m/f). French job title: Chercheur/Chercheuse en agrobiologie.

A certificate of expertise (Sachkundenachweis) according to the Plant Protection Expertise Ordinance may be required.

Some characteristics of work and social behavior are equally relevant for all professions and are therefore not mentioned separately. These include reliability, punctuality, honesty, ability to criticize, and appropriate manners. In addition, the following profession-specific characteristics are required to practice this academic profession: Performance and commitment (e.g., willingness to actively and dedicatedly take on additional, technically demanding laboratory and analysis work during bottlenecks), perseverance and determination (e.g., persistently working on the research of new environmentally friendly fertilizers and plant protection products and their industrial producibility despite setbacks), conscientiousness (e.g., error-free planning and execution of experimental series in the laboratory), independent working style (e.g., independently planning and monitoring biotechnological or genetic experiments).

Agricultural biologists investigate how agricultural production influences organisms and the environment. They develop concepts to improve production conditions and methods.

Job and applicant exchanges: ajb Agrarjobbörse, Bildungsserver Agrarbiojobbörse, Biologie.de, BiologyJobs.com, Bionity.com Karriere, Environmentjob.co.uk, jobvector, life-science Karriere Services, Stellenmarkt-Umweltschutz.de, WILA-Arbeitsmarkt.

Agricultural biologists are associated with various associations and organizations such as the Professional Association of German Biologists (BDBiol), the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), the German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Farmers' Association (DBV), the Construction-Agriculture-Environment Union (IG BAU), the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, the Association of Biology, Biosciences and Biomedicine in Germany (VBIO), and the VDL-Federal Association of Agriculture, Food, Environment. The Association of Chambers of Agriculture is also among the important organizations in this field.

Agricultural biologists take responsibility for individuals by adhering to hygiene and safety regulations to protect human and environmental health. They are responsible for material assets by preparing environmental impact assessments and statements on nature conservation plans. They perform precise and detailed work by accurately concentrating chemical solutions. They engage in customer contact by advising users on the benefits and applications of products. They work with animals in a production-oriented manner by examining the usability, toxicity, and environmental compatibility of preparations through animal physiological studies. They deal with plants by conducting series of experiments and tests on plants. They work with technical devices, machines, and systems such as testing equipment and laboratory facilities. They perform manual work by setting up experimental apparatuses. They work on screens by processing newly acquired data. They wear protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, lab coats, and face masks. They work in the laboratory by performing microbiological and other analyses.

Agricultural biologists can be employed in various fields such as agricultural economics, agricultural consulting, expert appraisal, laboratory analysis, laboratory management, lecturing at universities, professorship, study program coordination, quality assurance and management, leadership in quality management, leadership in quality assurance, process and product development, leadership in research and development, product development, regulatory affairs, and scientific research. They can also work as research assistants, research group leaders, and scientific staff.

Agricultural biologists work with objects of investigation such as soil, water, and air samples, as well as plant and animal tissues and products. They use laboratory equipment and accessories like microscopes, centrifuges, sequencing machines, control, monitoring, and measuring devices, mixing and grinding apparatuses, mass spectrometers, reaction vessels, test tubes, and pipettes. They work with chemical substances such as nutrient solutions, acids, bases, and salts. They utilize documents like environmentally friendly production concepts, plans and map materials, experimental protocols, research reports, ecological assessments, and hygiene, safety, and environmental protection regulations. Office equipment and software such as PCs, internet access, telephones, and monitoring systems are also among their work tools.

Agricultural biologists work in various fields. They investigate nutrients and pollutants, as well as plant and animal products. They advise agricultural businesses on plant and animal breeding and prepare ecological assessments. In the chemical-pharmaceutical industry, they develop fertilizers and plant protection products and test their environmental compatibility. In research, they analyze agricultural production methods, conduct studies, and publish their results. In all areas of responsibility, the goal is to improve the quality of agricultural products while carefully managing resources such as water, air, and soil.

Adaptive continuing education helps to keep professional knowledge up-to-date and adapt to new developments (e.g., in biology, biotechnology, agriculture, or research and development). Furthermore, trends in digitalization and precision agriculture, as well as sustainability in conjunction with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can become important continuing education topics for agricultural biologists. The development and use of bioplastics, whose raw materials are obtained from green waste, also offer potential for further training.

Bachelor graduates can enhance their professional and career opportunities through further Studium (university studies), for example, in Agricultural Biology or Agricultural Science. A Promotion (doctorate) is generally required for a scientific career at a university; a Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) is usually needed to become a university professor. A doctorate may also facilitate access to senior professional positions in the private sector, research, and public administration.

Examines the usability and environmental compatibility of plant protection products and preparations. Improves the properties of cultivated plants using genetic and biotechnological methods. Scientifically supervises biotechnological or genetic experiments. Develops concepts for combating animal diseases in production and environmental protection. Conducts chemical-analytical investigations. Plans measures for waste management, wastewater disposal, nature conservation, and landscape maintenance. Detects damage symptoms in plants and animals using bioindication. Investigates soil, flora, and fauna; maps data. Prepares expert opinions and statements, e.g., environmental impact assessments. Advises users on the benefits and application possibilities of new products. Participates in research projects and writes reports in science and teaching. Prepares and conducts lectures and, if necessary, administers exams. Supervises and accompanies biotechnological or genetic experiments.

The following additional employment alternatives are available for agricultural biologists: Scientific Research, Biochemist, Agricultural Scientist / Agricultural Economist, Horticultural Scientist, Pharmaceutical Engineering Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Landscape Ecologist. Commonalities: Researching the effects of chemicals, fertilizers, and environmental conditions on biological systems, applying knowledge of agricultural and biological contexts, collecting, processing, and evaluating data. Note: The mentioned job alternatives may require a longer induction period or additional Ausbildung (vocational training).

Agricultural biologists investigate, analyze, and evaluate the effects of agricultural production on organisms and the environment, and develop concepts to improve production conditions and methods. In the agricultural sector, agricultural biologists examine, for example, the environmental compatibility of plant protection products or the effects of genetic and biotechnological methods or pollutants on plants and animals. They deal with animal-friendly husbandry or bioindication. Bioindicators react perceptibly to environmental pollution. Their presence or absence allows conclusions to be drawn about the characteristics of the respective location. In the field of environmental protection, the focus is on averting negative impacts of agricultural production. For this purpose, agricultural biologists conduct environmental programs that include, for example, compatibility tests, soil, water, and air analyses.

The following abilities, knowledge, and skills are required for performing possible activities in this Studium (university studies) profession. Abilities: Numerical (computational) thinking (e.g., analyzing and evaluating measurement series in chemical-analytical investigations), figural-spatial thinking (e.g., understanding and interpreting mappings of agricultural areas), technical understanding (e.g., using complex testing devices and laboratory equipment), ability to plan and organize (e.g., planning and coordinating surveys and mappings).

Plant Protection Expert Ordinance (Pflanzenschutz-Sachkundeverordnung - PflSchSachkV), amended by Article 376 of the law of 31.08.2015 (BGBl. I S. 1474).

Practicing this profession may involve certain physical requirements. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or professional application. Robust health (e.g., working in agricultural experimental fields under adverse weather conditions), functionality of arms and hands (e.g., setting up experimental arrangements in the laboratory), fine motor skills of hands and fingers (e.g., handling pipettes and sensitive laboratory equipment), near vision - even corrected (e.g., processing newly acquired data on screen; observing bioindicators; working with a microscope), color vision (e.g., recognizing color changes in experiments/procedures), hearing and speech comprehension (e.g., understanding queries when advising agricultural businesses), healthy, resilient skin on hands and arms (e.g., handling acids, alkalis, salts, and solutions; contact with potentially allergenic plants and animal hair or animal proteins) may be required.

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the initial profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants who cannot find a vacant position in their learned profession. Furthermore, employers can consider specialists from these professions as alternatives for filling a job in the initial profession. Some alternative professions only comprise partial activities of the initial profession, while others may require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases. The following immediate job and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Agricultural Biologist: For the overall activity (usually short induction): Biologist. For partial activities and professional applications (with/without induction): Agricultural Consultant. In related professions: Biosciences Researcher. A list of all possible degrees of relatedness can be found on BERUFENET.

Working as an Agricultural Biologist is not a regulated profession. No professional recognition is necessary to work in this profession with a qualification acquired abroad. However, there is the possibility to apply for an individual certificate evaluation for foreign university degrees through the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB - Central Office for Foreign Education). This can be helpful for applications in the German labor market. Further information on living and working in Germany: Hotline Arbeiten und Leben in Deutschland (central information hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA)), Für Menschen aus dem Ausland (an information service of the Federal Employment Agency), Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Central International and Specialist Placement of the Federal Employment Agency), Make it in Germany (the welcome portal of the skilled labor initiative for international skilled workers).

The following health limitations could lead to problems when practicing the profession. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or professional application. Increasingly, there are also possibilities to compensate for limitations, for example, through technical aids. Susceptibility to infection, chronic infectious diseases (e.g., working in agricultural experimental fields under adverse weather conditions), impaired functionality of arms and hands (e.g., setting up experimental arrangements in the laboratory), impaired fine motor skills of hands and fingers (e.g., handling pipettes and sensitive laboratory equipment), uncorrectable near vision impairment (e.g., processing newly acquired data on screen; observing bioindicators; working with a microscope), color vision disorders (e.g., recognizing color changes in experiments/procedures), hearing loss, hard of hearing, deafness, hearing impairment, chronic ear conditions (e.g., difficulty understanding feedback) could be examples of such limitations.

The following additional staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Agricultural Biologist from an employer's perspective: Field of Scientific Research: Agricultural Scientist / Agricultural Economist, Horticultural Scientist, Biochemist. Commonalities: Researching the effects of chemicals, fertilizers, and environmental conditions on biological systems, applying knowledge of agricultural and biological contexts, collecting, processing, and evaluating data. Note: The mentioned staffing alternatives may require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases.