25
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
listed below are 25 careers you might consider in the agriculture, food & natural resources cluster. These are not all the career options in the cluster—they are just a sampling showing the variety of occupations available to you at different education levels.
Turn to the “online Info” on the inside back cover to research all career options in the cluster of your choice and decide on the ones that best fit your talents and ambitions. Here’s an explanation of the kind of information presented in each column.
C
SoC: stands for standard GRoWtH: This is the oPENINGS: This is the projected WAGES: This is the amount
occupational code, which projected annual growth number of job openings for the career the average person in the
organizations like the u.s. in Texas for the career in Texas each year. even though a career earns in Texas per
A
department of labor use to between 2002 and 2012. career may be fast growing, there year. naturally, entry-level
categorize career information. fast-growing occupations may not be a lot of positions available. wages are lower than the
sometimes you can find data on may offer greater career careers with more openings will give average, and those for workers
R
a career faster by searching for opportunities for young an entry-level worker a better chance with years of experience are
its soc. adults. of getting a job and greater job security. generally higher.
E
SoC occupation Growth openings Wages Education Education Levels Job Description
11-9011 Farm, ranch, and Other Agricultural manager 13.7% 415 $42,438 bachelor’s plus experience
manage farms, ranches, aquacultural operations, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracts, cotton gins, packing houses, or other agricultural establishments for
E
employers. make production, financial, and marketing decisions relating to the managed operations following guidelines from the owner.
19-1023 Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist 16.7% 15 $48,058 bachelor’s degree
study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. may specialize in wildlife research and management, including the
collection and analysis of biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.
R
17-2081 environmental engineer 40.0% 130 $74,827 bachelor’s degree
design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental health hazards utilizing various engineering disciplines.
work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
advise, instruct, and assist individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agriculture-related processes, or family and consumer sciences activities.

25-9021 Cooperative extension Agent 7.1% 15 $31,057 bachelor’s degree demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to solve problems; instruct and train in product development, sales, and the utilization of machinery and
equipment to promote general welfare.
19-1031 Conservation Scientist 9.1% 20 $53,014 bachelor’s degree
manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. may conduct soil surveys and develop plans to
eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands from fire and rodent damage.
C
19-4041 Geological and Petroleum Technician 11.9% 125 $39,743 associate’s degree
assist scientists in the use of electrical, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production activities to obtain data indicating potential
sources of metallic ore, gas, or petroleum. analyze mud and drill cuttings. chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
17-3025 environmental engineering Technician 26.1% 55 $42,111 associate’s degree
apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of
environmental pollution, including waste treatment and site remediation.
H 45-2011 Agricultural inspector 8.0% 40 $30,788 work experience in a related occupation
Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws
governing health, quality, and safety.
o
13-1021 Purchasing Agent and Buyer, Farm Products 12.5% 40 $52,539 work experience in a related occupation purchase farm products for further processing or resale.
37-1012 First-line Supervisor of landscape and Groundskeeping Workers 13.0% 190 $31,890 work experience in a related occupation
plan, organize, direct, or coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities, such as planting and maintaining ornamental
trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns, and applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals, according to contract specifications.
I
45-1012 Farm labor Contractor 10.5% 30 $21,299 work experience in a related occupation recruit, hire, furnish, and supervise seasonal or temporary agricultural laborers for a fee. may transport, house, and provide meals for workers.
45-1011 First-line Supervisor of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 17.0% 120 $39,013 work experience in a related occupation
work with agricultural scientists in food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing; assist with animal breeding and nutrition work; under
supervision, conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
C
11-9012 Farmer and rancher 3.3% 1,700 $35,744 long-term on-the-job training
on an ownership or rental basis, operate farms, ranches, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural production establishments that produce
crops, horticultural specialties, livestock, poultry, finfish, shellfish, or animal specialties.
51-8013 Power Plant Operator 6.8% 75 $50,765 long-term on-the-job training control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
E
51-8031 Water and liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operator 22.6% 380 $28,556 long-term on-the-job training operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or liquid waste.
51-8092 Gas Plant Operator 12.5% 90 $47,218 long-term on-the-job training distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
S
27-1023 Floral Designer 4.5% 100 $19,232 moderate-term on-the-job training design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
39-2011 Animal Trainer 5.7% 45 $29,647 moderate-term on-the-job training
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or assisting persons with disabilities. accustom animals to human voice and contact, and
condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition.
45-4011 Forest and Conservation Worker 25.0% 10 $32,114 moderate-term on-the-job training
under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect forest, forested areas, and woodlands through such activities as raising and
transporting tree seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to trees; and building erosion and water control structures and leaching of forest soil.
37-2021 Pest Control Worker 12.1% 125 $29,712 moderate-term on-the-job training
spray or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill pests and vermin, such as mice, termites, and roaches, that infest buildings and
Source:
surrounding areas.
Texas Workforce
Commission (TWC) 45-2021 Animal Breeder 16.7% 10 $32,859 moderate-term on-the-job training
breed animals, including cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, dogs, cats, or pet birds. select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics,
and offspring. may require a knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. may involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.
note: This chart is a sampling
of careers in the cluster,
not recommendations from
45-2091 Agricultural equipment Operator 17.7% 235 $17,123 moderate-term on-the-job training
drive and control farm equipment to till soil and to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. may operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks, such as
husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.
Twc or any other agency
or organization. always do
thorough research and consult
39-2021 Nonfarm Animal Caretaker 22.4% 370 $17,276 short-term on-the-job training
feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise care for pets and other nonfarm animals, such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice.
with your parents/guardians
work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums.
before making a career choice.
37-3013 Tree Trimmer and Pruner 13.0% 135 $24,083 short-term on-the-job training
cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve the appearance, health, and value
of the trees. prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, pruning hooks, shears, and clippers. may use truck-mounted lifts and power pruners.
37-3011 landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker 20.6% 2,975 $18,594 short-term on-the-job training landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment.
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