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Job Definition
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation.
Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Interests
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Knowledge
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Skills
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Tasks
Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head.
Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on topics such as crop production, plant genetics, and soil chemistry.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge, and publish findings in professional journals, books, and/or electronic media.
Supervise laboratory sessions and field work, and coordinate laboratory operations.
Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $83,570.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $41,650.00 and $129,530.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 720 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 790 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 7 openings due to growth and about 16 replacement openings for approximately 23 total annual openings. This occupation experienced moderate growth.

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Agronomy and Crop Science - A program that focuses on the chemical, physical, and biological relationships of crops and the soils nurturing them. Includes instruction in the growth and behavior of agricultural crops, the development of new plant varieties, and the scientific management of soils and nutrients for maximum plant nutrition, health, and productivity.
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations - A program that prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations. Includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities.
Animal Sciences, General - A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. Includes instruction in the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
Similar Occupations
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Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary - Teach courses in health specialties, such as veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, therapy, laboratory technology, and public health.
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary - Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of both teaching and research.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education - Teach pupils in public or private schools at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other formative skills.
Dietitians and Nutritionists - Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Pharmacists - Compound and dispense medications following prescriptions issued by physicians, dentists, or other authorized medical practitioners.
Psychiatrists - Diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Veterinarians - Diagnose and treat diseases and dysfunctions of animals. May engage in a particular function, such as research and development, consultation, administration, technical writing, sale or production of commercial products, or rendering of technical services to commercial firms or other organizations. Includes veterinarians who inspect livestock.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists - Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
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