Introduction

The agriculture sector is transforming into a modern, dynamic and competitive sector that requires trained and skilled manpower. The Third National Agricultural Policy (NAP3) is expected to increase the demand for agricultural workers by making agriculture one of the major sectors of the economy.

During the Eighth Malaysia Plan period (2001 - 2005), the agriculture sector is expected to register a higher annual growth rate besides contributing significantly to the country's economic development. The sector will be restructured and reoriented to increase productivity and competitiveness by using large scale, integrated and high technology farming methods. Some of the jobs available in this field include:

Job Description

(a)   Biotechnologist

        -   Deals with agriculture, food production and the environment.
-   Focuses on specific growing methods such as aeroponics, hydroponics and organic farming.
-   Work is mostly laboratory based but may also involve a lot of field work for research purposes.

(b)   Horticulturist

-   Conducts experiments and investigations to determine methods of breeding, producing, storing,

             processing and transporting fruits, nuts, berries, vegetables, flowers, bushes and trees.
-   Develops new or improved varieties that have higher yield, quality, nutritional value, resistance to

            diseases and adaptability to climates, soils, uses and processes.
-   Determines the best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating and harvesting.
-   Plans, organises and directs through assigned groundskeepers, the horticulture development and

            maintenance of campus grounds and other campus property.

(c)   Aquaculturist

-   Specialises in the culture, breeding and raising of aquatic life.
-   Stocks ponds, feeds fishes, monitors water quality, checks for diseases, harvests fishes and

            maintains equipment.
-   Works directly with the marine life they study in their natural environment.
-   Can work for commercial fish farms or independent fish farmers.
-   May be involved in laboratory research, teaching or working in an office environment.

(d)   Research Officer

-   Plans and undertakes research and investigation into specific areas in order to produce a report and

            make recommendations in a clear and accessible style.
-   Collects and collates relevant information and presents findings in an appropriate style.
-   Liaises with external agencies and relevant professional bodies to identify examples of best practices.

 

(e)   Environmental Officer

-   Ensures that sound management practices, which support plant and animal life, are in place.
-   Measures and records features of the environment and studies, assesses and develops methods of

            controlling or minimising the harmful effects of human activities on the environment.
-   Assists in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on environmental management.
-   Investigates and reports on accidents that affect the environment, such as chemical spills.
-   Monitors the effects of pollution and land degradation and recommends ways of prevention and

            control.
-   Conducts environmental audits.