Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources This broad sector involves the management of agricultural products and natural resources in ways that are sustainable and minimize their impact on the environment. There are many career pathways available to persons interested in the agriculture, food, and natural resources sector. Some include traditional careers in areas such as food production and processing, plant and animal systems, veterinary care, and natural resource management. Other pathways offer careers in emerging “green” industries such as renewable energy and environmental services such as conservation, waste management, pollution control, and water treatment. In the future, we will all be faced with the challenge of natural resource conservation, not only for the purpose of environmental protection, but also to promote job creation, protect our national security, and leave a livable planet for future generations. Workers at all levels trained in sustainable techniques will be more attractive to employers.
Occupation
For anyone who plans to enter the job market in this field, a strong knowledge base in English, math, and science, along with critical thinking, monitoring, and active listening skills, are a must. High school students should meet with an advisor/guidance counselor to create an appropriate career action plan that may include high school classes in: • • • • • •
Agriculture Biology Chemistry Culinary Arts English Math (Sources: O*Net 2012 and Arizona Tech Prep 2011)
Annual Entry-Level Wage Range*
Typical Training Required
Geographic Information Systems Technicians
$44,190 - $62,510
Associate’s Degree
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
$21,350 - $25,650
Associate’s Degree
Water & Liquid Waste Treatment Plant $31,550 - $36,750 On-the-Job or and System Operators Community College Training Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011
Program
College/Skill Center
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE Agribusiness Mesa Landscape Aide Mesa Landscape Specialist Mesa Sustainable Food Systems* Mesa, Rio Salado Urban Horticulture Mesa *Also in Hospitality & Tourism ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY Environmental Science Technology GateWay Geographic Information Systems Mesa Geospatial Technologies* *Also in Information Technology Mesa Green Builder: Alternate Wall System Installer* Maricopa Skill Center Green Builder: Solar Photovoltaic Installer* Maricopa Skill Center Green Builder: Solar Thermal Technician* Maricopa Skill Center
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Program
College/Skill Center
Environmental Technology, continued Occupational Safety and Health Technology GateWay Power Plant Technology* Estrella Mountain, GateWay Radiation Protection Technology Estrella Mountain Safety, Health and Environmental Studies Paradise Valley Wastewater Treatment GateWay Water Resources Technologies GateWay Hydrologic Studies GateWay Water Treatment GateWay *Also in Architecture & Construction VETERINARY Equine Science* Scottsdale Veterinary Technology/Animal Health* Mesa *Also in Health Sciences
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