Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources

Pathway 1: Agribusiness Systems

Agribusiness is the coordination of all activities that contribute to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products and services. Agribusiness is a high-tech industry that uses satellite systems, computer databases and spreadsheets, biotechnology, and many other innovations to increase efficiency and profitability.

Sample Occupations

• Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

• Farm Labor Contractors

• Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Pathway 2: Animal Systems

People who work in the Animal Systems pathway work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. They study genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domesticated farm animals. Some individuals inspect and grade livestock food products, purchase livestock, or work in technical sales or marketing. Others advise agricultural producers on how to upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality rates, handle waste matter, or increase production of animal products, such as milk or eggs. Animal care workers train, feed, water, groom, bathe, and exercise animals. They also clean, disinfect, and repair their cages.

Sample Occupations

• Animal Breeders

• Animal Caretakers

• Animal Scientists

• Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

Pathway 3: Environmental Service Systems

People who work in the Environmental Service Systems pathway are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues. Environmental engineers and technicians conduct hazardous-waste management studies, evaluate the significance of the hazard, offer analysis on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They design municipal sewage and industrial wastewater systems. They analyze scientific data, research environmental projects, and perform quality control checks.

Sample Occupations

• Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Environmental Engineers

• Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

• Pest Control Workers

• Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

• Water/Wastewater Engineers

Pathway 4: Food Products and Processing Systems

People who work in the Food Products and Processing Systems pathway discover new food sources, analyze food content, and develop ways to process, preserve, package, or store food according to industry and government regulations. They create new food products to meet consumer needs and inspect food-processing areas to ensure that sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management standards are met.

Sample Occupations

• Agricultural Technicians

• First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

• Food Science Technicians

• Food Scientists and Technologists

• Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products

Pathway 5: Natural Resources Systems

People who work in the Natural Resources Systems pathway perform a variety of tasks from helping to develop, maintain, and manage the forest and natural environment to catching and trapping various types of marine life for human consumption, animal feed, bait, and other uses. Forest and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, minerals, and water, serve as sites for recreational activities, and provide habitats for wildlife. Conservation scientists and foresters manage, develop, use, and help protect these and other natural resources.

Sample Occupations

• Clinical Research Coordinators

• Fallers

• Fishing and Hunting Workers

• Forest and Conservation Technicians

• Forest and Conservation Workers

• Foresters

• Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

• Hydrologic Technicians

• Log Graders and Scalers

• Logging Equipment Operators

• Natural Sciences Managers

• Water Resource Specialists

• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Pathway 6: Plant Systems

People who work in the Plant Systems pathway study plants and their growth. This helps producers of food, feed, and fiber crops continue to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment. Individuals in this pathway also develop ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seeds. They use genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and drought.

Sample Occupations

• Biological Technicians

• Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse

• Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

• Soil and Plant Scientists

• Tree Trimmers and Pruners

Pathway 7: Power, Structural & Technical Systems

People who work in the Power, Structural, and Technical Systems pathway apply knowledge of engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures, and controls to the field of agriculture. They design agricultural structures as well as machinery and equipment. They develop ways to conserve soil and water and to improve the processing of agricultural products.

Sample Occupations

• Agricultural Engineers

• Agricultural Equipment Operators

• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians