Careers

Salary Statistics

• $62,300

  Median annual wages for soil and plant scientists

Get Hired

The Department of Agriculture and the Career Center are here to help you launch your career.

• Attend the Agriculture Career Fair

• Search jobs and internships on Hire-A-Redbird

• Join a registered student organization:

  • Agricultural Science Club
  • Horticulture Club
  • Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity

Related Skills

• Applying concepts and analytical tools related to the agricultural market
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Computer literacy
• Team and individual working capability
• Time management skills

Being Successful in the Field

• Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
• For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient.
• A master’s or doctoral degree is often necessary for advancement.
• Some federal and private agency work, consulting positions, and especially research positions require a graduate degree.
• Teacher certification is required for public school teaching and varies by state.
• Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals who have jobs that interest you.

Related Fields

Education

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration
• Student Affairs

Employers

• Secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Vocational and technical schools

Strategies

• Obtain teacher certification for public school positions.
• Plan to earn a master’s degree to work in college student affairs or university administration.
• Earn a Ph.D. to obtain employment as a professor.
• Develop excellent writing and speaking skills. Learn to work well withall types of people. Develop strong interpersonal skills.
• Seek leadership positions in campus organizations related to agricultural science, natural resources, or agricultural education.
• Gain practical experience in the area of agriculture.
• Work with youth through volunteering or summer jobs with camps, 4-H programs, scouts, YMCA's,and other nonprofit organizations.

Agricultural Science

• Informal Education
• Sales
• Management
• Agricultural Communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Electronic Media, Technical Writing

Employers

• Local, state and federal government including: Forestry Service, USDA, National and state parks and reserves
• Professional associations
• Agribusiness firms
• Financial institutions
• Camps
• Scouting organizations, e.g. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
• Nature centers
• Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
• Nonprofit organizations
• Wildlife organizations
• Agricultural magazines and websites
• Newspapers and other publications
• Farm radio and television stations
• Advertising and public relations firms

Strategies

• Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
• Earn a minor or take additional courses in area of interest such as communication, English, or business.
• Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Learn to work well with various computer programs including desktop publishing.
• Participate in related student organizations and seek leadership positions.
• Work on the student newspaper to gain experience for agricultural communication positions.
• Develop physical stamina, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills for some informal education positions.
• Be willing to relocate.

Extension

• Agricultural Education
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• Youth Development Education

Employers

• Cooperative Extension System (national)
• Extension services within states

Strategies

• Gain experience in working with children and adults of varying ages.
• Participate as a volunteer or member of organizations such as 4-H or FFA and seek leadership roles.
• Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presentation skills.
• Take courses in economics and community development.
• Develop computer skills.
• Earn a master’s degree to qualify for more positions.
• Be willing to live in rural communities and to travel within the county.
• Be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

Other Professions

• Agriculture Construction
• Agronomist
• Animal Nutritionist
• Animal Scientist
• Aquaculturist
• Chemical Research
• Crop Scout
• Elevator Manager
• Environmental Planning
• Equipment Designer
• Extension Educator
• Farm Manager
• Feedlot Manager
• Field Research Technician
• Food Scientist
• Geneticist
• Government Inspector
• Grain/Livestock Merchandiser
• Ingredient Purchaser
• Integrated PestManagement
• International Marketing
• Livestock Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Market Analyst
• Plant Pathologist
• Research Technician
• Safety Manager
• Sales and Marketing
• Teacher/Professor
• Technical Services
• Veterinary Medicine

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator