Agriculture and natural resources is a critical industry in New Jersey. This sector produces food supply, supports healthy plants and animals, and protects the environment and natural resources in the Garden State. As demand for more sustainable products and practices grows, related educational and training programs are more important than ever. County vocational-technical schools continuously refine and add more programs to support that growth and keep pace with the constantly evolving technology in the sector. Our schools cultivate business partnerships that are vital to ensuring programs remain aligned with this fast-changing industry.
Today’s agriculture, natural resources, and animal science programs at county vocational-technical schools are science-based and technology-driven, designed to prepare students for a wide range of career pathways.
Why Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Animal Science?
- Accounts for $400 billion in U.S. GDP
- Employs 5.6 million people
- Projected job growth, especially for veterinary technicians and environmental protection technicians
- With some postsecondary education, workers can earn more than the national median wage in agricultural economics, agriculture and natural resources management, conservation science, food science, and forestry
Take a closer look at Sustainability:
Career pathways in this area include:
Agricultural scientist
Animal trainer
Commercial fishers
Environmental scientist
Farmer or farm manager
Greenhouse specialist
Landscape designer/landscaper
Microbiologist
Park ranger/game warden
Plant scientist
Soil and water conservationist
Stable manager
Turf management specialist
Veterinarian
Veterinary assistant/technician
Wildlife biologist
Zoologist
For Students And Parents:
To see what agriculture, natural resources, and animal science programs your county vocational-technical school offers, find your school.
For Adult Students:
To find agriculture, natural resources, and animal science programs at county vocational-technical schools near you, use the “Find Adult Career Programs” tool.
For More Information About Careers In Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Animal Science:
O*Net OnLine has comprehensive information on all types of jobs, including surveys that help people find careers they might enjoy.
Visit the NJ Department of Agriculture for career exploration.
Find resources provided by FFA, the national student organization for agricultural education. Most county vocational-technical schools with agriculture, natural resources, and animal science programs have a chapter. Start exploring with FFA’s How to Find Your Career in Agriculture.
View videos on agriculture, food, and natural resources careers:
From US Department of Labor Career One-Stop:
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/IndustryVideos/agriculture-food-and-natural-resources-overview.aspx
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/IndustryVideos/agriculture-food-and-natural-resources-occupations.aspx
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Animal Science News
Career Classroom: County vocational-technical schools empower students through meaningful projects for New Jersey’s marine ecosystem (ROI-NJ)
Capstone projects test students’ understanding and passion for a subject matter, often leading them toward a career choice within a field and greater awareness of how they can make meaningful contributions through their work.
Hunterdon County Vocational School District honors Adrianna Ruggieri as this year’s successful graduate
Adrianna Ruggieri returned two years ago to her alma mater, Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD), to teach in the Animal Science program where she was once a student. In just a short time, she has made an impact through her knowledge and enthusiasm.
Monmouth Vocational students a bloomin’ success at Flower Show (Patch)
A “South Street Spiritual” window display was the theme of an award-winning design created by students in the Floriculture Program at the Monmouth County Vocational School District for the famed Philadelphia Flower Show.
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