Agricultural Economist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable development, the role of agricultural economists has never been more important.

As global demands for food and resources continue to rise, the need for skilled professionals who can optimize, manage, and protect our agricultural resources has become paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s actually expected from an agricultural economist?

Whether you are:

A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
A hiring manager detailing the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the complexities of agricultural economics,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable agricultural economist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Agricultural Economist Duties and Responsibilities

Agricultural Economists focus on applying economic principles to optimize agricultural markets and production.

They also analyze data to predict trends and advise stakeholders on economic decisions related to agriculture.

The following are their typical duties and responsibilities:

Conduct research and collect data on agricultural markets, production, and pricing
Use statistical software to analyze data and forecast agricultural trends
Prepare and present reports on research findings and agricultural market trends
Advise farmers, agribusinesses, and government agencies on economic decisions and policy making
Evaluate and develop agricultural policies to improve agricultural productivity
Assess the economic viability of new technologies or strategies in agriculture
Analyze the impact of environmental factors and regulations on agricultural industries
Conduct cost, supply, and demand studies on farm products and identify market opportunities

Agricultural Economist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable Agricultural Economist to provide insight into economic trends and practices in the agricultural sector.

The responsibilities of an Agricultural Economist include conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, monitoring economic trends, developing forecasts, and advising agricultural entities on economic decisions.

The ideal candidate for this position should have strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of agricultural processes, and a passion for research and development.

The ultimate goal is to aid the agricultural industry in making informed economic decisions for enhanced productivity and profitability.

Responsibilities

Analyze data to discover economic patterns and trends within the agricultural sector
Prepare reports presenting research findings and economic forecasts
Advise agricultural businesses, government agencies, and farmers on economic decisions
Study and analyze the impact of new policies, legislation, or public programs on the agricultural industry
Monitor economic trends in agricultural markets and predict future trends
Assist in developing strategic plans for agricultural entities
Conduct field studies to gather agricultural data
Collaborate with other specialists and stakeholders in agricultural projects

Qualifications

Proven work experience as an Agricultural Economist or similar role
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data
Knowledge of agricultural processes and industry trends
Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools
Excellent communication skills to present findings and advice
PhD or Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or related field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Agricultural Economist
Work Environment: Office setting with occasional field visits. Some travel may be required for research and conferences.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Agricultural Economics or Research Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Agricultural Economist Do?

Agricultural Economists specialize in understanding the economic activity within agricultural markets.

They work for government agencies, agribusiness firms, or educational institutions.

Their main role is to study, analyze and predict trends in agriculture.

They also examine data to better understand the economic implications of agricultural production and to propose solutions to maximize profitability.

They may focus on areas such as crop and livestock management, agricultural policy, resource allocation, risk assessment, and environmental issues.

Agricultural Economists often use their findings to advise farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers on economic decisions and policy development.

They may also conduct market research, develop forecasts for agricultural production and assist in managing agribusiness activities.

In the realm of academia, Agricultural Economists may teach and conduct research.

Their ultimate goal is to apply economic theory and principles to solve problems in the agriculture industry, contributing to sustainable economic growth and development.

Agricultural Economist Qualifications and Skills

Agricultural Economists require a specific set of skills and qualifications to effectively analyze and interpret agricultural data, formulate policies, and contribute to sustainable development in the sector.

These include:

Strong analytical skills to analyze agricultural and economic data and predict market trends.
Research skills for conducting and interpreting complex research studies in the field of agriculture and economics.
Strong mathematical and statistical abilities to create economic models and interpret statistical data.
Excellent communication skills to present complex agricultural economic information in a manner that is easy to understand for policy makers, stakeholders, and other team members.
A deep understanding of agricultural systems, environmental impacts, and sustainable practices to inform economic forecasting and policy making.
Problem-solving skills to address challenges in agricultural economics such as production costs, price trends, and market demand.
Strong proficiency in software tools and databases for agricultural economic modeling and data analysis.
Interpersonal skills for collaborating with a team of economists, researchers, and policy makers.

Agricultural Economist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Agricultural Economists typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related field, which provides theoretical knowledge as well as some practical application through coursework and internships.

They can also gain hands-on experience through research projects, assisting in data analysis, or working in the agricultural sector.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have professional exposure in roles such as Research Analyst, Data Analyst, or Policy Analyst in agricultural or environmental economics.

They are usually adept at conducting cost-benefit analyses, modeling economic phenomena, and using statistical software.

Agricultural Economists with over 5 years of experience are expected to have honed their analytical skills, have a thorough understanding of agricultural policies, and be proficient in designing and conducting independent research.

They might have also gained some managerial experience, overseeing project budgets, or leading a team of analysts, and thus, could be considered for higher-level positions.

Those aspiring to senior roles such as Agricultural Policy Advisor or Consultant, or who wish to work in academia, generally require a Master’s or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics or a related field.

Extensive experience in research, policy development, and application of economic theory to agricultural problems is typically expected for these roles.

Agricultural Economist Education and Training Requirements

Agricultural Economists typically require a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, general economics, or a related field.

Their studies often involve courses in business, agriculture, economics, and statistics.

Knowledge of agricultural marketing, farm management, agricultural trade, and agricultural policy is essential.

Many Agricultural Economists choose to further their education by obtaining a master’s degree or Ph.D., especially those who wish to work in academia or conduct high-level research.

These advanced degrees often focus on more specialized areas of agricultural economics, including resource economics, agricultural business, and agricultural policy analysis.

In addition to formal education, Agricultural Economists need strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

They should be able to interpret complex statistical data and possess excellent communication skills to explain their findings.

Although not required, professional certifications such as the Certified Business Economist (CBE) or others related to agricultural business or policy can enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Ongoing training and staying abreast of developments in agriculture, economics, and policy are important for career advancement in this field.

Agricultural Economist Salary Expectations

An Agricultural Economist earns an average salary of $77,630 (USD) per year.

However, this wage can vary based on factors such as experience, level of education, specific industry, and geographic location.

Agricultural Economist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Agricultural Economist need?

An Agricultural Economist should have strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and trends.

They should also have exceptional problem-solving skills to create and apply economic models to agricultural scenarios.

Good communication skills are needed to articulate economic forecasts and recommendations to farmers, policymakers, and business executives.

Additionally, knowledge of agricultural policies, market trends, and familiarity with statistical software are advantageous.

Do Agricultural Economists need a degree?

Yes, Agricultural Economists typically need a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics or a related field such as general economics or agricultural business.

For more advanced roles, a master’s degree or a Ph.D. might be required.

These advanced degrees often focus on research methods and economics and may include coursework in agricultural markets, statistics, and econometrics.

What should you look for in an Agricultural Economist resume?

An Agricultural Economist’s resume should include their educational background with a focus on economics, agriculture, or a related field.

It should highlight their analytical skills and experience in using statistical software.

Additionally, check for experience or knowledge in agricultural policies and market trends.

Any research work, published articles, or presentations at agricultural or economic conferences can be a plus.

What qualities make a good Agricultural Economist?

A good Agricultural Economist should have a deep understanding of economic principles and agricultural market trends.

They should be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills to interpret data and make accurate forecasts.

Good communication skills are crucial for explaining complex economic concepts to various audiences.

They should also be proactive in keeping up with the latest research and trends in the agricultural economy.

Is it difficult to hire Agricultural Economists?

Hiring Agricultural Economists can be challenging due to the specific skill set and knowledge base required for the role.

It requires a combination of economics, agricultural understanding, and analytical skills.

However, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth can attract qualified candidates.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of an agricultural economist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about cultivating the future of farming and food production, one economic analysis at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive agricultural economist job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to sow the seeds for your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every economic analysis contributes to the broader landscape of agriculture.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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