Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences
DO YOU LIKE USING SCIENCE TO SOLVE REAL WORLD PROBLEMS? DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITH PEOPLE OR ANIMALS?
Check out careers in Agricultural and Horticultural Sceinces.
What is it?
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources workers produce and sell a variety of products ranging from food to raw materials, and also help manage our environment. Agribusinesses produce livestock, field crops, and fruit and vegetable produce, along with processing these products and marketing them for consumers to purchase. People working in natural resources focus on preserving the soil, water and air as well as maintaining and improving our natural environments. Scientists working in this field are always looking for ways to improve the products and techniques used in modern agriculture.
What will I do?
Careers can range from working in an innovative scientific laboratory to being outdoors raising plants and animals. Greenhouse workers grow plants, flowers, trees and shrubs for residential
or commercial use. Environmental scientists and technicians study and analyze our land and water to maintain a balance between industry growth and sustainability. Agricultural and environmental educators help students apply concepts from math and science to real life problems like water quality, food safety, management of public lands, and wildlife conservation.
Leads to these jobs:
- Agricultural Educator
- Agribusiness Manager
- Agricultural Sales and Service
- Biotechnology Researcher
- Food Scientist
- Plant or Animal Laboratory Technician
- Wildlife/Conservation Agent
Is this for me?
- Likes problem-solving
- Enjoys using technology
- Likes to help people
- Wants a high- impact job
- Likes to work with data
- Likes animals or plants
Employer Spotlight: CHS ELBURN
CHS Elburn is a locally-governed agricultural service center that’s part of CHS Inc., the nation’s leading farmer-owned cooperative, committed to delivering value and helping its owners grow.
From harvesting and selling crops, to custom fertility and crop protection solutions, to quality nutrition for livestock, we’re here to support our farmers’ growth and help them build the business they want.
In-Demand Occupations in Illinois
Food Processor
- Education Level: High School
- Median Salary: $23,508
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 9%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 13,280
Farmer / Greenhouse Worker
- Education Level: High School
- Median Salary: $27,043
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 1%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 11,920
Agricultural Equipment Operator
- Education Level: High School
- Median Salary: $34,063
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 3%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 2,550
Agricultural & Food Science Technician
- Education Level: Associate Degree
- Median Salary: $38,772
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 4%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 810
Soil & Plant Scientist
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
- Median Salary: $55,070
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 11%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 610
Environmental Engineer
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
- Median Salary: $85,400
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 9%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 1,220
Source – Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2019
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY @ JJC
JJC’s Agricultural Sciences program provides students with hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities and on-the-job-training, including placement in paid, full-time internship experiences nationwide. JJC’s Veterinary Medical Technology Program graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) for licensure in Illinois.
Learn more at www.jjc.edu/academics
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES
talk to your school counselor or teachers about what next steps to take.
