Laura Denton & Bev Flatt
September 26, 2023
Career Guide ArticleAs Megan McGrady, senior education consultant at the National FFA Organization, describes it, “The most robust ag career tool for teachers and students to explore over 300 careers” is now even better. The updated AgExplorer boasts more than 65 new career profiles, thanks to partner AgCareers.com, as well as three new career focus areas—sustainability, agricultural technology and skilled trades.
A new look and feel also spotlight a renovated career finder, now named “My Career Quiz,” with double the questions as before. With an added focus on personal interests and updated professional preferences, such as hybrid/remote working conditions, the goal is to “really get to know the student and who they are at heart,” McGrady says.
After all, AgExplorer is the students’ domain. “Not all career sites are student-friendly,” McGrady notes, “but this one is easy to use. Students return to this resource.” She points out its “meaningful information that students understand” instead of “paragraphs of unending content.” It’s also engaging, with virtual field trips that give students behind-the-scenes looks at industry partners. Plus, this unique, one-stop shop now offers an even clearer connection between future career options and current FFA experience: Each job profile suggests FFA and SAE connections to help develop skills related to that role.
“We don’t want AgExplorer to be a tool that is stagnant,” McGrady says. “We want it to be relevant and help students find their place in agriculture.” It helps achieve that whether or not students pursue one of the site’s five personalized career suggestions. “Even just becoming exposed to the variety of agriculture jobs makes you a more ag-literate consumer, and that makes you a better overall consumer,” McGrady adds.
“It’s important to see all that’s available because it makes you more informed and grows your appreciation for the industry,” she says. “And that makes a more positive industry as a whole.”
Agriculture has no shortage of career options. Whether you are looking for a job where you can help others, find your place in the business world, learn a forgotten craft or develop other talents, one of the 300+ careers profiled on AgExplorer could bring you exactly what you are seeking. Here are six unique careers to consider.
1. ZOOLOGIST
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
$64,000 per year
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
Visit AgExplorer.FFA.org to see the new features in action and to learn more about ag careers.
