When it comes to modern agricultural jobs, do not be afraid to think outside the box.
With traditional farming on the decline, a new generation of agricultural jobs is rising up. In 2011, the United States has approximately 22 million people working in over 200 different agricultural related careers. These careers include categories that you may not have considered such as agribusiness, forestry and food science. With influx of technology into food production and the influence of government regulation, many modern agricultural careers branch out significantly from the day-to-day acts of farming.
Food Scientists and Engineers
The American Farm Bureau Federation determined that food science and engineering will be the fastest growing agricultural careers over the next four years. Food scientists work to develop new foods and new food production methods. Food scientists also research food safety and nutrition. Some jobs titles related to food science include food technicians, food chemists and quality control managers.
Forestry
Forestry balances the art and science of caring for and managing forest resources. You may only think of a forest ranger when you think of careers in forestry, but forestry also includes naturalists, timber buyers, nursery managers and arborists. Major companies hire for these positions as well as city governments and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Horticulture
Horticulturalists focus on the cultivation of high-value decorative plants, fruits, vegetables and flowers. This career field also involves the marketing and utilization of these plants. Specific careers in horticulture include florists and nursery growers, buyers and managers.
Agribusiness Management
An agribusiness manager performs the management functions within the key organizations that buy, sell and produce food. These management positions can range from the more likely purchasing and financial managers to the more unlikely commodity traders. Some individual farm owners and managers have training in agribusiness management to prepare them to manage their own farms on a smaller scale compared to the major corporations and organizations within the food system.
Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications
A communications career in the agricultural field looks similar to a traditional communications career but with a focus on agriculture. For instance, agricultural-related organizations require the skills of advertisers, journalists, and public relations specialists as well. Other communications positions also include editors, sales representatives and account managers.
Resource Development and Management
With the influence of government regulation infused into the agricultural business, several careers exist that relate to the interplay between government and farm production. For example, lobbying organizations and U.S. House and Senate offices hire professionals who specialize in planning, budgeting and evaluating farm production programs. These jobs range from environmental analysts to economic development specialists.
Tags: food science, agricultural careers, agricultural jobs, communications career, farm production