Agriculture and Natural Systems
Are you interested in a career in farming or food production? Do you want to protect the environment? A job in the field of agriculture and natural systems might be right for you.
Career Pathways
Agriculture and natural systems has seven career pathways.
- Agribusiness: Individuals who manage farms or operations that prepare food for the marketplace.
- Animal Systems: Individuals who work to improve food produced by animals.
- Environmental Service Systems: Individuals who work to protect the environment by controlling pollution.
- Food Products and Processing Systems: Individuals who process, package and store food for purchase.
- Natural Resources Systems: Individuals who work to protect the environment through conservation and management.
- Plant Systems: Individuals who develop ways to increase yield of crops.
- Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Individuals who design buildings or equipment for use in agriculture.
Meta-Major: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Are you interested in a career in agriculture or natural systems but not sure what you want to do? Check out the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) meta-major at your local state college. A meta-major is a collection of associate degree programs aligned to a general career area, such as agriculture and natural systems. Because all programs under the meta-major have common courses, you can pursue a relevant course of study before deciding on a specific degree program.
Education-Career-Income Connection
Many high-paying jobs in the field of business require a bachelor's degree.
| Training, Certificate or Associate's Degree | Bachelor's Degree | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Equipment Operators | $31,190 | Biological Technician | $44,500 |
| Pest Control Workers | $35,610 | Animal Scientist | $58,380 |
| Forest and Conservation Technician | $37,180 | Forester | $61,410 |
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | $38,190 | Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | $63,420 |
| Agricultural Technician | $40,860 | Soil and Plant Scientist | $63,950 |
| Food Science Technician | $40,860 | Agricultural Engineer | $77,110 |
| Farm and Ranch Manager | $67,950 | Water and Wastewater Engineer | $87,620 |
| Aquaculture Manager | $67,950 | Environmental Engineer | $87,620 |