Agricultural Equipment Operators are responsible for operating machinery used in planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. They ensure the efficient functioning of equipment, perform routine maintenance, and may assist in soil preparation and irrigation.
These professionals manage the daily operations of farms, ranches, greenhouses, and other agricultural establishments. They oversee crop production, livestock management, and business aspects such as budgeting, marketing, and personnel management.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists study animals and wildlife, their behaviors, diseases, genetics, and interactions with ecosystems. They conduct research, analyze data, and work on conservation efforts to protect endangered species and habitats.
Foresters manage forests, ensuring their health, sustainability, and economic value. They develop plans for forest conservation, oversee timber harvesting, and work to protect wildlife habitats and water quality within forested areas.
Fish and Game Wardens enforce laws and regulations related to wildlife, hunting, fishing, and boating. They patrol assigned areas, investigate violations, and work to conserve wildlife and natural resources.
Food Scientists and Technologists apply scientific principles to the processing, packaging, and distribution of food. They work to improve food safety, quality, and nutritional value, and may develop new food products and preservation methods.
Conservation Scientists work to manage natural resources sustainably. They advise farmers, ranchers, and government agencies on best practices for land use, soil conservation, and water management to protect and improve the environment.
Soil and Plant Scientists study the composition of soil and its effects on plant growth. They conduct research to develop better farming practices, improve crop yields, and ensure sustainable land use. Their work is crucial for food security and environmental health.
Brandon Larrabee is a geographic information systems specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Larrabee works to create digital representations of geographic areas to help with land restoration projects and environmental analysis.
Cassandra Fleckenstein is a wildland firefighter, instructor, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officer in Vale, Oregon. Fleckenstein’s job covers a lot of ground, from responding to dispatch fire calls to training all-women firefighting recruits. It’s demanding, but rewarding work.
Mahima White is a fisheries biologist working to protect native fish populations across Oregon. White developed a passion for animal welfare at an early age. She grew up in a household surrounded by animals, and with the encouragement from teachers at McMinville High School, she pursued her own independent project studying zebrafish. White soon realized she was on a path toward a career in biology.
If you enjoy working with nature, solving problems, and taking a hands-on approach to projects, a career in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources might be perfect for you. This pathway is ideal for those who are planners, self-reliant, physically active, and creative problem solvers who love learning how things grow and thrive. Consider taking classes in agriculture sciences, chemistry, environmental science, forestry, and natural resources to get started.
Career Planning
Here are three careers in high demand right now in Oregon.
Education: Less than High School to High School Diploma
Annual Average Wage: $32,006
Duties: Manually plant, cultivate, and harvest vegetables, fruits, nuts, horticultural specialties, and field crops.
Why it's in demand: With the increasing need for fresh produce and horticultural products, there is a growing demand for skilled workers who can efficiently manage crop production and greenhouse operations.
Education: High School Diploma to Associate's Degree
Annual Average Wage: $45,285
Duties: Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources.
Why it's in demand: As environmental conservation becomes a priority, the demand for technicians who can support sustainable land and resource management practices continues to rise.
Education: High School Diploma to Bachelor’s Degree
Annual Average Wage: $73,551
Duties: Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, and timber tracts.
Why it's in demand: The agricultural industry is vital for food production, and effective management is essential to optimize operations, increase productivity, and ensure sustainability.
Career OneStop Take this 30-question interest assessment to help you match your interests with exciting careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Journeys Watch young Oregonians in high-demand trades share their career journeys and give you a window into their workday.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Pathways: Explore career pathways through the Oregon Employment Department to understand the education and training needed for different occupations. Learn which jobs are in highest demand and what they pay.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Community & Workforce Training: The Business and Management Career Learning Area focuses on the business and entrepreneurial needs of Oregon’s students as they prepare to enter and succeed in the world of business. The careers in this area span virtually every industry in the world.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */The Oregon Career Information System (CIS): provides a system of occupational and educational information to help Oregonians learn about the world of work and education. We work with schools, colleges, social agencies, and businesses who provide career guidance and employee development services. They use CIS products with their students, clients, customers, and employees to assist them with the process of career planning or career transition.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */
Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Committee. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.
