AGRICULTURE, FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCES

AGRICULTURE, FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCES

Pathway 1: Agribusiness Systems


Agribusiness is the coordination of all activities that contribute to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing and development of agricultural commodities and resources. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products and services. Agribusiness is a high-tech industry that uses satellite systems, computer databases and spreadsheets, biotechnology and many other innovations to increase efficiency and profitability.


Sample Occupations


Farm and Ranch Managers


Aquacultural Managers


Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products


Farm Labor Contractors




Farm and Ranch Managers

Pathway 2: Animal Systems


People who work in the Animal Systems pathway work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. They study genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development of domesticated farm animals. Some individuals inspect and grade livestock food products, purchase livestock or work in technical sales or marketing. Others advise agricultural producers on how to upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality rates, handle waste matter or increase production of animal products, such as milk or eggs. Animal care workers train, feed, water, groom, bathe and exercise animals. They also clean, disinfect and repair their cages.


Sample Occupations


Animal Scientists


Nonfarm Animal Caretakers


Animal Breeders


Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals




Nonfarm Animal Caretakers

Pathway 3: Environmental Service Systems


People who work in the Environmental Service Systems pathway are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health issues. Environmental engineers and technicians conduct hazardous-waste management studies, evaluate the significance of the hazard, offer analysis on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They design municipal sewage and industrial wastewater systems. They analyze scientific data, research environmental projects and perform quality control checks.


Sample Occupations


Environmental Engineers


Environmental Engineering Technicians


Pest Control Workers


Hazardous Materials Removal Workers


Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors




Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Pathway 4: Food Products and Processing


People who work in the Food Products and Processing Systems pathway discover new food sources, analyze food content and develop ways to process, preserve, package or store food according to industry and government regulations. They create new food products to meet consumer needs and inspect food-processing areas to ensure that sanitation, safety, quality and waste management standards are met.


Sample Occupations


Food Scientists and Technologists


Agricultural Technicians


Food Science Technicians


First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry


Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products




Agricultural Technicians

Pathway 5: Natural Resources Systems


People who work in the Natural Resources Systems pathway perform a variety of tasks from helping to develop, maintain, and manage the forest and natural environment to catching and trapping various types of marine life for human consumption, animal feed, bait and other uses. Forest and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, minerals and water; serve as sites for recreational activities; and provide habitats for wildlife. Conservation scientists and foresters manage, develop, use and help protect these and other natural resources.


Sample Occupations


Natural Sciences Managers


Geological Sample Test Technicians


Forest and Conservation Technicians


Fishers and Related Fishing Workers


Logging Equipment Operators




Natural Sciences Managers

Pathway 6: Plant Systems


People who work in the Plant Systems pathway study plants and their growth. This helps producers of food, feed and fiber crops continue to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment. Individuals in this pathway also develop ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seeds. They use genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and drought.


Sample Occupations


Soil and Plant Scientists


Biological Technicians


Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation


Tree Trimmers and Pruners


Farmworkers and Laborers




Farmworkers and Laborers

Pathway 7: Power, Structural and Technical Systems


People who work in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems pathway apply knowledge of engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures, and controls to the field of agriculture. They design agricultural structures as well as machinery and equipment. They develop ways to conserve soil and water and to improve the processing of agricultural products.


Sample Occupations


Agricultural Engineers


Agricultural Equipment Operators


Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians




Agricultural Equipment Operators

 https://www.asvabprogram.com/career-cluster-pathway-9