Unit 3 Student Exploration Part I
Name: Mark Giles
Date: 11/13/24
Career Explorations
Assignment Description: Below you will find three different charts to help organize your
research findings. There is one for each career you have chosen to research in the field of
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. Spend time researching each career thoroughly using
valid sources. The research you conduct here will be used for the project at the end of this unit.
Use the descriptions provided on the lesson page to guide your research for each attribute listed.
1st Career
Attribute My Research Findings
Career Name
and Agricultural Engineer
Description
Advances agricultural practices which help to ensure that food production meets the
demands of a growing global population while also being mindful of environmental
sustainability
Skills and Foundation in engineering and agricultural sciences
Aptitudes Problem solving skills
Required Attention to detail
Technology proficiency
Communication skills
Education Bachelors Degree in agricultural engineering, takes 4 years
and/or A Master’s Degree is optional but also beneficial so that you have more skills
Training
Required
Cost of $10,000 to $20,000 for a Public University in the United States for Bachelor’s Degree
Education
and/or $10,000 to $25,000 for a Public University in the United States for Master’s Degree
Training
Income Range Starts from around $55,000-$75,000 per year for entry-level positions
Senior-level positions earn $100,000-$130,000 per year
Executive positions can earn salaries above $130,000 and even $200,000 per year
Prospects - Growing demand for sustainable agriculture
- Better technology in agriculture
- A rising global food demand
- Rural development
- Stable job and growth as well
- Very flexible career path
- International opportunities
List of Works https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Cited https://www.nspe.org/
https://www.payscale.com/
https://www.glassdoor.com/
2nd Career
Attribute My Research Findings
Career Name Farm Manager
and
Description Requires both technical agricultural knowledge and strong skills with managing, this
ensures the farm runs smoothly and is profitable as well
Skills and Leadership and management skills
Aptitudes
Required Financial Management skills
Problem solving
Communication skills
Time management
Education Associate’s degree in agriculture, takes 2 years (faster option)
and/or Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, takes 4 years (preferred but not required)
Training Hands on experiences are good such as entry-level farm positions to know how a farm
Required actually works and profits
Specialized Training like a Certified Crop Adviser and a Certified Livestock Manager
Cost of Bachelors Degree - $10,000 - $15,000 per year (instate public university)
Education
and/or Associates Degree - $8,500 - $15,000 per year (at community college)
Training
Certified Crop Adviser costs $300 - $600 for exam and study materials
Pesticide Applicator Certification costs $50 - $200
Online courses in Farm Management cost around $100 - $1000
Income Range Average Farm Manager Salary (U.S) – around $60,000 - $70,000 per year
Entry Level - $45,000 - $55,000 per year
5-10 years - $55,000 - $75,000 per year
10+ years - $75,000 - $100,000+ per year
Prospects 2% growth for farming industry
Precision agriculture
Weather and climate risks
Supply chain management
List of Works https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-
Cited managers.htm
https://www.nass.usda.gov/
https://www.agcareers.com/
http://www.fao.org/
3rd Career
Attribute My Research Findings
Career Name Agricultural Scientist
and
Description A professional who studies plants, animals, soil, and ecosystems to improve
agricultural processes. They also do research on different aspects of agriculture to see
their impacts on farming.
Skills and Biological and Chemical Knowledge
Aptitudes
Required Critical Thinking
Data analysis and Stats
Environmental Awareness
Resource Management
Education Bachelor’s Degree is required in Agricultural Science (4 years)
and/or Master’s Degree (optional for advancement) (2 years)
Training Doctoral Degree for Research or academic positions (2 years
Required
Laboratory training
Cost of Bachelors’ Degree costs around $10,000 - $25,000 per year for degree in agricultural
Education science
and/or
Training Master’s Degree costs around $12,000 - $30,000 per year for degree in agricultural
science
Doctoral Degree costs around $15,000 - $35,000 per year for a Ph.D. in agricultural
sciences
Income Range Entry-level make around $40,000 - $55,000 per year
Mid-level maker around $55,000 - $85,000 per year
Specialized Positions make around $85,000 - $120,000 per year
Leadership Positions make around $120,000 - $150,000+ per year
Prospects Growing demand for sustainable food production
Climate change
Agricultural technology advances
Increased investment in agricultural research
List of Works https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-
Cited scientists.htm
http://www.fao.org/publications/fofa/en/
https://www.agronomy.org/careers/profiles
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
