AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
When you think about careers in this field, you probably think of occupations such as farmers, park rangers, or geologists. But there are countless Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources careers in virtually any job category you can think of, from business to science to mechanics to manufacturing to the environment. Companies in these industries rely heavily on high-tech skills and incorporate technology like satellite imagery and drone technology into everyday tasks. Pathways in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career field can introduce you to this industry's new, cutting-edge world.* Students typically begin exploring the many career opportunities in the Introduction to Agriscience course and then, based on what interests them, take additional electives to learn about food production, wildlife management, or the environment.
PATHWAYS OFFERED AND THEIR SAMPLE COURSE PROGRESSIONS
These samples show you what the journey might look like if you start a career pathway your freshman year. Your course progression will need to be accelerated if you start a career pathway your sophomore year or later.
Agribusiness Pathway
Prepare for a career in agribusiness through learning what the industry has to offer. This pathway starts with the foundations of agriculture and then propels you into learning business and entrepreneurship. Enter this pathway to get ahead in careers such as farming, ranching, or agricultural engineering.
- Discover the components of agriculture from a foundational level
- See how science and tech help produce and maintain better plants
- Learn the business side of agricultural commodities
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Agriculture Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Agriscience II
Agribusiness (PBL)
|
Entrepreneurship 1 (PBL)
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
|
Farmer
Rancher
Farm Labor Contractor
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Agricultural Engineer
|
9TH GRADE
Agriculture Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Agriscience II
Agribusiness (PBL)
11TH GRADE
Entrepreneurship 1 (PBL)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Farmer
Rancher
Farm Labor Contractor
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Agricultural Engineer
Food Processing and Production Pathway
Have you ever wanted to be a butcher, chef, or food scientist? This pathway might be for you. Start with a foundation in agriculture basics and move through to nutrition and chemistry to processing and safety. You'll learn what it takes to have a career in food processing and production.
- Discover foundations of food production and chemistry
- Build a foundation of culinary skills and knowledge
- Learn trends and standards for genetically engineered foods
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Agriculture Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Agriscience II
Introduction to Culinary Arts
|
Principles of Agriculture
Food Production 1 (PBL)
|
Food Production 2 (PBL–Spring 2020) |
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
ServSafe Food Handler
|
Agricultural and Food Scientist
Agricultural and Food Science Technician
Butcher
Chef/Head Cook
|
9TH GRADE
Agriculture Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Agriscience II
Introduction to Culinary Arts
11TH GRADE
Principles of Agriculture
Food Production 1 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Food Production 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
ServSafe Food Handler
POTENTIAL JOBS
Agricultural and Food Scientist
Agricultural and Food Science Technician
Butcher
Chef/Head Cook
Technical Systems Pathway
If a career in agriculture or natural sciences piques your interest, this pathway can give you a head start. Starting with a foundation in agriculture, you'll come to understand how agricultural structures as well as machinery and equipment work together in an agricultural supply chain.
- Learn to use common agricultural tools and materials
- Gain a fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering
- Discovery technology for an efficient supply chain
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Agriculture Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Agriscience II
Agriculture Mechanics 1
|
Agriculture Mechanics 2
Agriculture Mechanics 3
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Agricultural Mechanics
|
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Forest and Conservation Worker
Natural Sciences Manager
Agricultural Worker
|
9TH GRADE
Agriculture Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Agriscience II
Agriculture Mechanics 1
11TH GRADE
Agriculture Mechanics 2
Agriculture Mechanics 3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Agricultural Mechanics
POTENTIAL JOBS
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Forest and Conservation Worker
Natural Sciences Manager
Agricultural Worker
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
FOOD SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
FOOD SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
Food science technicians typically collect samples, test food, food additives, and food containers to ensure they comply with established safety standards help conduct research and analyze food to determine ingredients and formulas.
2018 Median Salary
|
$40,860 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
1,800 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
6% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
Food science technicians typically collect samples, test food, food additives, and food containers to ensure they comply with established safety standards help conduct research and analyze food to determine ingredients and formulas.
2018 Median Salary
|
$40,860 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
1,800 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
6% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND PROTECTION TECHNICIANS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND PROTECTION TECHNICIANS
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. They typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions require a bachelor’s degree.
2018 Median Salary
|
$46,170 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
3,200 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. They typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions require a bachelor’s degree.
2018 Median Salary
|
$46,170 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
3,200 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS
Environmental Engineering Technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop. They mostly work full time, indoors, usually in laboratories, and often have regular working hours. However, they must sometimes work irregular hours in order to monitor operations.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,560 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
1,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
Environmental Engineering Technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop. They mostly work full time, indoors, usually in laboratories, and often have regular working hours. However, they must sometimes work irregular hours in order to monitor operations.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,560 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
1,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENTISTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENTISTS
Agricultural and Food Scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.
2018 Median Salary
|
$64,020 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
2,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Agricultural and Food Scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.
2018 Median Salary
|
$64,020 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
2,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
EXPLORE CAREERS IN YOUR AREA
EXPLORE CAREERS IN YOUR AREA
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
*Career fields and pathways vary by school. Check with your school for its current offerings.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
