People who have jobs in this cluster work
with food products and processing, power, and
structural systems and plants and animals. Careers
in natural resources, environmental services, and
agribusiness are also included in this cluster.
Fewer jobs involve traditional farming
and ranching. Many careers involve working
with food science and technology to discover
new food sources, analyze food structure and
content, and develop new ways to process,
preserve, package, and store food. Workers
in natural resources focus on improving the
present and future quality of life, conserving
natural resources, and preserving wildlife.
Conservation scientists help solve problems
affecting the use of land, water, and air. Foresters
plan and supervise the growing, protection, and
use of trees. Environmentalists work to resolve
problems related to pollution and hazardous
waste disposal. Animal scientists study genetics,
nutrition, and reproduction.
Entry-level jobs are available. Although
some knowledge and skills are learned on-the-
job, many technical jobs require two or more
years of advanced training. Professionals, such
as engineers and scientists, must have a four-
year college degree or beyond.
The demands of an expanding population,
globalization, and increasing public awareness
on nutrition and diet will result in strong job
opportunities in the future. Many of these
specialists work for government agencies, such
as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
Environmental Protection Agency, or the National
Park Service. Private employers include mining and
logging operations, landscapers, and oil companies.
Agricultural Salesperson
■
Agricultural Communications
Specialist
■
Business-Educator
■
Food Scientist
■
Meat
Processor
■
Toxicologist
■
Biochemist
■
Nutritionist
■
Dietician
■
Food Broker
■
Food
Inspector
■
Meat Cutter-Grader
■
Meat Science Researcher
■
Food Meal Supervisor
■
Cheese
Maker
■
Microbiologist
■
Produce Buyer
■
Bacteriologist
■
Food & Drug Inspector
■
Bioengineer
■
Biochemist
■
Food & Fiber Engineer
■
Food
Processor
■
Storage Supervisor
■
Fieldhand
■
Quality Control
Specialist
Food Products and
Processing Systems
Bioinformatics Specialist
■
Plant Breeder & Geneticist
■
Biotechnology Lab Technician
■
Soil & Water Specialist
■
Crop Farm Manager
■
Agricultural Educator
■
Plant
Pathologist
■
Aquaculturalist
■
Botanist
■
Tree Surgeon
■
Education & Extension
Specialist
■
Commodity
Marketing Specialist
■
Grain
Operations Superintendent
■
Forest Geneticist
■
Golf Course
Superintendent
■
Greenhouse
Manager
■
Grower
■
Farmer
■
Rancher
■
Custom Hay &
Silage Operator
■
Agricultural
Journalist
Plant Systems
Agricultural Educator
■
Livestock Producer
■
Poultry
Manager
■
Equine Manager
■
Veterinarian
■
Veterinary
Assistant
■
Feedlot Specialist
■
Animal Scientist
■
Embryo
Technologist
■
Livestock Buyer
■
Wildlife Biologist
■
Livestock
Geneticist
■
Animal Nutritionist
■
Dairy Producer
■
Livestock
Inspector
■
Pet Shop Operator
■
Feed Sales Specialist
■
Animal Health Salesperson
■
Meat Science Researcher
■
Reproductive Physiologist
■
Embryo Transfer Technician
■
USDA Inspector
Animal Systems
Pathways and
Career Options
The Career Clusters
icons are being used
with permission of the:
States’ Career Clusters
Initiative, 2008,
www.careerclusters.org.
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