In a typical work setting, agricultural scientists:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a medium level of contact with people.
• Communicate with others daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They write letters and memos, but less often.
• Are responsible for the work performed by others.
• Regularly work as part of a team.
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• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical Work Conditions

• Spend time outdoors conducting research at farms, and also work indoors in a lab.
• Often work indoors in areas where there isn't temperature control, such as in a barn or greenhouse.
• Occasionally wear protective or safety attire.
• May travel to and from work sites in a van, car, or truck.

Work Performance

• Must be precise when running tests and be sure that they complete all tasks.
• Make decisions that impact coworkers and their company on a monthly basis. Most decisions are made without consulting a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which weekly and monthly deadlines must be met.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without feedback from a supervisor.
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• Often repeat the same mental and physical tasks.

Hours/Travel

• Work an irregular schedule due to changes in weather and production demands.
• Some work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines.
• Usually work 40 hours a week.
• May travel to local or regional farms.