Just think: One day, you could be one of those people who truly loves their job. Instead of a sitcom stereotype of employees who clock in each day, sit in their cubicles and drink stale coffee, you could earn your paycheck by working at something you deeply enjoy. Agriculture has no shortage of career options. Whether you are looking for a job where you can help other people, find your place in the business world, learn a forgotten craft or develop other talents, one of these careers could bring you exactly what you are seeking.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
JOB SYNOPSIS
When you think about your heroes, do folks such as Charles Darwin, Jane Goodall and the Crocodile Hunter come to mind? If so, a career in zoology might be for you. A zoologist studies the behavior of animals and wildlife, the diseases and genetics of animals across the globe, and animal health and behavior.
AREAS OF STUDY
Pursuing a career in this field means you most likely need to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in zoology, biology, natural resources management or ecology. But if you want to try courses before committing to a degree, study the fundamentals of zoology in classes such as ag education, biology, anatomy and animal science. Computer and mathematics skills are also helpful.
COMMON EMPLOYERS
After completing their studies, zoologists are most often employed by zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers and parks. They can also work for conservation groups, animal pharmaceutical companies, research firms, governmental agencies, or colleges and universities.
AVERAGE SALARY
$78,000 per year
Restoration Specialist There’s more to fix than antiques.
JOB SYNOPSIS
Restoration is more than just a category on Pinterest. It can also be considered a career in agriculture. A restoration specialist investigates the connections between organisms and the environment. They make recommendations for improvements with the goal of reestablishing natural ecosystems.
AREAS OF STUDY
Students interested in careers like this are recommended to take high school courses in ag education, earth science, biology, plant science, chemistry, biology and mathematics. After high school, pursuing an advanced degree in biology, plant science, environmental science or natural resource management can set you up for success.
COMMON EMPLOYERS
Much of this work will include implementing your recommendations for seed companies, crop protection companies, universities, government agencies, consulting firms, research laboratories, museums, field stations, and parks and recreation areas.
AVERAGE SALARY
$43,000 per year
Flavor Technologist It’s a delicious career!
JOB SYNOPSIS
If your Starbucks order is a complex combination of milks, syrups and espresso, you might have what it takes for one of the most unusual careers in agriculture. Coffee is considered one of the most complex flavors to exist. Flavor technologists use these complexities to develop the tastes used in food and drinks. In a fusion of chemistry and kitchen know-how, they develop new formulas, run samples and manage experiments in a laboratory.
AREAS OF STUDY
High school students can get a head start in this field by taking classes in ag education, family and consumer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry and computer skills. From there, advanced degrees in food science, nutrition or chemistry further develop skills. Passing an examination with the Society of Flavor Chemists and undergoing a seven-year apprenticeship under a senior flavorist is the cherry on top.
COMMON EMPLOYERS
Professionals in these careers typically work for food companies or flavor houses that focus on producing and selling flavors to be used by the food and beverage industries.
AVERAGE SALARY
$60,000 per year
Game Warden Are you game?
JOB SYNOPSIS
Jurassic Park is more than an award-winning, multibillion-dollar franchise. It’s a story about the immense responsibility and value of game wardens. Game wardens are focused on ensuring the protection and safety of wild animals. While they often work to enforce laws related to hunting and fishing, they also create wildlife conservation programs and educate the public.
AREAS OF STUDY
Courses in ag education, natural resources, biology, earth science and mathematics lay a foundation for pursuing a career as a game warden. Earning a bachelor’s degree in relevant areas such as environmental science, natural resources or wildlife management is also a great addition to an education plan.
COMMON EMPLOYERS
Game wardens are almost always employed at a state or national park, preserve and range, which gives them some of the best views in the world.
AVERAGE SALARY
$58,000 per year
Athletic Turf Manager The grass is always greener in turf management.
JOB SYNOPSIS
Are you looking at a career that is even rarer than becoming a professional football player or golfer? It involves managing these sporting grounds. Athletic turf managers ensure the turf and surrounding areas of sporting grounds are pristine, healthy and ready for game time. They plan, oversee and manage major athletics grounds and field renovation projects, while also being responsible for tasks such as project management and budgeting.
AREAS OF STUDY
These professionals typically need a high school diploma or college degree in turf grass management, horticulture or crop science, in addition to studying courses such as ag education, mathematics, biology, chemistry and environmental science.
COMMON EMPLOYERS
They are usually employed by universities, golf courses, municipal stadiums or even professional sporting teams.
AVERAGE SALARY
$50,000 per year
Wind Turbine Technician A ‘wind-wind’ career path.
JOB SYNOPSIS
According to the U.S. Wind Turbine Database, there are more than 70,800 turbines across 44 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. Not only is that number impressive due to the massive size of these turbines, but it also means good career prospects for wind turbine technicians. Wind techs are responsible for installing new turbines as well as maintaining and repairing existing structures.
AREAS OF STUDY
An associate degree in applied sciences such as wind energy technology may meet many job requirements. However, in some cases, only a high school diploma is required if you take courses such as ag education, agricultural mechanics, environmental science, physics and computer skills. If you are in an area with a large wind turbine presence, you may be able to receive training specifically as a wind turbine technician.
COMMON EMPLOYERS
Electrical companies and cooperatives often hire wind techs. Also private energy firms focus on wind energy-producing areas. Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas have a high demand for these jobs, and the industry continues to grow.
AVERAGE SALARY
$42,000 per year
