|
Agribusiness, Production, Technology and Natural Resources
200+ Career areas can be found in the agriculture and natural resources category. Research in agriculture also impacts many areas of our lives including breakthroughs in the medical field. Some agricultural work is seasonal and requires long hours in the busy seasons. Careers can include production (farming), research of new technologies, mechanical technology and resource management. You should have some of the following skills:
- Mechanical skills
- Problem Solving
- Resource Management and Decision Making
- Communications
Job Outlook by mnCareers.org: About 16% of all jobs in Minnesota are agricuture and food industry, with high employment in processing, distribution, supply and service. The state ranks 6th in agricultural production nationally. In 2001, there were about 79,000 farms in Minnesota, but this number of farms has been decreasing since 1975 (Minnesota Department of Agriculture). Although demand for farm workers is weak, it is offset by good opportunities in agribusiness. One growth area is food science. Society demands quality and safety in its food, increasing the need for qualified workers. Environmental protection and development of new agriculture-related products are also areas of growth. The growth in construction activity has also created demand for landscape architects and landscapers.
Agricultural & Food Scientists: Study animals, food, and the crops. Look at animals and crops to determine best ways to process food. Employment currently: 740. Best Fits into Interest Profile: IR (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $15.90 Mid Range: $24.70 High End: $42.00
Education: 4 Year Bachelor's Degree: Most Agricultural Scientists have at least a bachelor's degree. Some have further training.
Job Outlook: Good: Few openings every year. More advanced degrees help.
Growth: 30 Openings per year.
Agricultural Inspectors: Design and improve farm equipment and products by use of biological and engineering technology. Employment currently: 240. Best fits into Interest Profile: RIC (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $10.30 Mid Range: $18.60 High End: $25.90
Education: 4 Year Bachelor's Degree: Environmental law and policies background helps.
Job Outlook: Fair: Has a small number of openings each year.
Growth: <10 Openings per year.
Farm Workers: Harvest and plant food products. May also fertilize, till soil, weed, and use hand tools or irrigate. Employment currently: 61,210. Best fits into Interest Profile: R (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $7.10 Mid Range: $10.90 High End: $16.50
Education: On-the-Job Training: Length of training varies by task.
Job Outlook: Caution: Automation causes this occupation to decrease every year.
Growth: 1,000 Openings per year (shrinking).
Landscapers & Groundskeepers: Landscape or upkeep of property. Tasks may include: mowing, laying sod, trimming trees, planting, water, mix and applying pesticides or fertilizers. Employment currently: 13,440. Best fits into Interest Profile: R (Click Here, to determine you interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $7.50 Mid Range: $11.20 High End: $17.40
Education: On-the-Job Training: Short term training on the job. Certification may be required for some tasks.
Job Outlook: Very Good: More construction jobs keep the demand high but may be seasonal only.
Growth: 670 Openings per year.
|
