SOC 19-1013.00: Soil and Plant Scientists — Occupation Classification & Job Zone

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Job Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Occupations in this zone require extensive skill, knowledge, and experience. Most require graduate school and may require licensure or certification. Employees may need more than five years of experience.

Related industries and commodity codes

Occupations are not industries, but these classifications often appear in the same hiring, procurement, or market research workflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 19-1013.00?

NAICS 19-1013.00 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Soil and Plant Scientists. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.

What licenses and permits does a Soil and Plant Scientists need?

A Soil and Plant Scientists typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.

How do I register a Soil and Plant Scientists business in the United States?

To register a Soil and Plant Scientists business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.

What tax forms does a Soil and Plant Scientists file with the IRS?

Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.

Is Soil and Plant Scientists the right NAICS code for my business?

Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Soil and Plant Scientists describes your main line of business, NAICS 19-1013.00 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 19-1013.00 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.

Does a Soil and Plant Scientists need E&O (Errors & Omissions) insurance?

Professional liability / E&O insurance protects a Soil and Plant Scientists against claims of negligence, errors, or failure to perform professional duties. Many licensing boards require E&O as a condition of licensure (particularly for real estate, insurance, and certain design professionals). Even when not legally required, it is standard practice — commercial general liability policies exclude professional services. Policy limits typically range from $1M-$5M. Claims-made policies are most common, requiring 'tail' coverage when you stop practicing.

What engagement letter or contract does a Soil and Plant Scientists need to use with clients?

Every professional service engagement should be documented in a written letter of engagement or professional services agreement. It should include: scope of services (and what is excluded), fee structure (hourly, flat, contingent — and whether contingent fees are allowed by your profession's ethics rules), payment terms, limitation of liability clause (where permitted), dispute resolution method (mediation/arbitration), and termination conditions. State bar associations and professional societies typically publish model engagement letters. Oral agreements create significant liability risk.

What advertising and solicitation rules does a Soil and Plant Scientists need to follow?

Each profession has ethical rules governing advertising. Lawyers: ABA Model Rule 7.1-7.5 (no false/misleading claims, testimonials permitted with disclosures, specialization claims require certification). Accountants: AICPA Code of Conduct prohibits solicitation that creates false expectations or implies ability to influence officials. Real estate agents: must include brokerage name prominently. General FTC rules: all advertising claims must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Using client names or logos requires written consent.

How does a Soil and Plant Scientists maintain client confidentiality and data security?

Professional ethical duties of confidentiality apply on top of legal privacy requirements. Lawyers: ABA Model Rule 1.6 and attorney-client privilege require safeguarding all information related to client representation, including implementing technical security measures against cyber threats. Healthcare: HIPAA plus state confidentiality laws. Accountants: IRC Section 7216 prohibits unauthorized disclosure of tax return information (criminal penalty). All should use encrypted email, secure file sharing (not regular email for sensitive docs), password policies, MFA, and written information security plans.