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Job outlook for agricultural specialists in the United States
Are agricultural specialist jobs in demand?
Agricultural specialist job and salary trends over time
Agricultural specialist jobs over time
Agricultural specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,931 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,563 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,555 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,487 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,467 | 0.00% |
Average agricultural specialist salary over time
Agricultural specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $49,776 | $23.93 | +0.4% |
| 2025 | $49,561 | $23.83 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $48,029 | $23.09 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $46,913 | $22.55 | +6.3% |
| 2022 | $44,139 | $21.22 | +2.9% |
Agricultural specialist jobs by state
Most common states for agricultural specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 63 | 9% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 244 | 8% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 69 | 7% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 51 | 7% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 40 | 7% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 124 | 6% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 77 | 6% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 53 | 6% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 47 | 6% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 40 | 6% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 473 | 5% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 367 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 281 | 5% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 187 | 5% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 136 | 5% |
| 16 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 76 | 5% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 57 | 5% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 111 | 4% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 79 | 4% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 46 | 4% |
Agricultural Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of agricultural specialist experts
Pennsylvania State University
University of Connecticut
Park University
Southeast Missouri State University
University of Arizona
Cornell University
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fort Hays State University
Tennessee Technological University
California Polytechnic State University
Cornell University
Andrews University
Cameron University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
University of Florida
Arizona State University
Louisiana Tech University
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Glen Ritchie Ph.D.: People like the opportunities to work outdoors and use state-of-the art sensing, precision ag, and production equipment and instrumentation. They enjoy the autonomy in day-to-day decision-making, and many are multi-generational agriculturists. Some of the issues that have been mentioned as challenges in the field include heavy time commitments during some periods of the year, as well as the challenges of working on a tight schedule to complete critical tasks. However, this also makes these careers rewarding to many people who enjoy the upbeat environment.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Glen Ritchie Ph.D.: Agricultural technology is of fundamental importance to US and world food supply, and it is rewarding to see advancements in efficiency, environmental stewardship, and sustainability through research and production methods put in place through your own efforts.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Glen Ritchie Ph.D.: Agricultural technologist covers a broad range of agricultural production, marketing, and research. Researchers largely work with the USDA, agricultural universities, and seed and fertilizer companies conducting research for their stakeholders. Those in agricultural production from our department have recently found positions doing technical work for precision agriculture and equipment dealerships, or as agronomists and farm managers. Others conduct data analytics for agricultural marketing and production, although this requires experience or a dual degree in data analytics.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
John Fulton: Effective communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial. Build a solid technical foundation through practical experiences to acquire on-the-job skills. Develop business and management competencies, including financial and project management, as well as supply chain knowledge. Lifelong learning is essential to stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends. Lastly, consider learning about artificial intelligence (AI) and its safe and effective integration into various job roles.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Fulton: Ag Systems Management provides a variety of good-paying jobs that can be exciting and rewarding. Participate in internships to determine the area of specialization you are most interested in while developing technical and business proficiencies. Above all, learn to be a good communicator. Agricultural systems management is a dynamic field, and a combination of technical, business, and interpersonal skills will set you up for a successful career.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
John Fulton: While pursuing your degree, actively engage in internships and student clubs, and consider taking on leadership positions. Networking plays a crucial role, so attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with fellow professionals. Cultivate a robust LinkedIn profile and interact with peers in your field—networking often leads to job referrals and opportunities. Additionally, acquiring relevant certifications demonstrates your expertise and commitment. Finally, maintain a proactive, adaptable mindset and remain open to new possibilities.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Carlos Carpio: A graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Business has many career paths and jobs. My general advice is first to explore and get acquainted with all the available job opportunities. A graduate with an Agribusiness degree can find job opportunities throughout the entire agrifood supply chain, from the production and processing to the retailing of food and agricultural products. Examples of jobs include management of agricultural operations, sales, banking, manufacturing, logistics, and market analysis.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carlos Carpio: Given the rapid pace of technological development and adoption, the ability to learn independently is becoming increasingly important. Additionally, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills are in high demand and will continue to be essential.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Carlos Carpio: Recent graduates should aim to develop a long-term perspective on their careers as soon as possible. This strategy enables them to thoughtfully select jobs and training opportunities as stepping stones in their career trajectory. (Ideally, students should start career planning during college, although this may not always be possible). At the same time, careers do not always follow a linear path; thus, you must be open to challenges and opportunities outside your comfort zone.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Trevor Bowes: Knowing how to fix greenhouse systems and grow plants with any method of cultivation will be invaluable. Many people know what to do but do not actually try to get better on their own time for their own benefit. The biggest new skill is how can you tie organic practices into larger synthetic agriculture to do less work overall, get better crops and make healthier lands. Both modes of growing need to work together if we are to find a better way to grow plants.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Trevor Bowes: Get your hvac permit or become massively knowledgeable about pest control ipm with beneficial insects. Growing is fixing the greenhouse and scouting for bugs.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Trevor Bowes: I would say that your skill in growing plants matters far more than what you 'know'. Also know that the things that will make your job easiest is knowledge of hvac, power tools and other trade/chemistry jobs that allow you to troubleshoot problems. If you have growing plants down you need to now focus on hvac or pest control.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Matthew DeBacco: This can depend what area you are a part of but often it involves physical labor in some capacity, especially for those entering the field. There are certain routines, but it is important to keep your eyes open as there are always unexpected things that come up. You are taking care of something living so it is your responsibility to keep it alive.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew DeBacco: We all need to eat so being a part of this process has and will continue to be important. In general, improving efficiencies and maximizing productivity are continual challenges that keep your interest.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Matthew DeBacco: Most people like plant science because you get to work with plants who talk to you, but in different ways and allow you to be self-directed. The dislike is the long hours in the heat and humidity along with the unexpected disease that can wipe out all of your hard work in a short period of time. Key is to enjoy each day.
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.
Harbaugh Entrepreneur and Innovation Faculty Scholar, Associate Teaching Professor, Agribusiness Management, Agribusiness Management Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Co-Founder, Entrepreneurship & Innovation ProgramPark University
Agricultural Business And Management
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.: - utilizes global and local consumer trends to help make informed forecasts on consumer markets
- research market factors nationwide to help others understand the dynamic agricultural markets
- build relationships with members in the field and industry experts to continuously learn about the interconnectedness of the world's agricultural markets
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.: - the demand for food and agricultural products is consistently growing as our population grows and new technologies develop to utilize our natural resources
- expectation of population doubling and global wealth increase means greater demand for natural resources at all levels
- COVID shutdown revealed the sensitivity of the agricultural supply chain and highlighted the importance of a strong Agricultural Business Analyst in making sound decisions in an uncertain environment
- the increased interconnectedness of the global agricultural markets means greater opportunity and career potential across food, natural resources, and growing technologies
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Mark Gagnon Ph.D.: - it is a challenging environment due to the various unpredictable variables from weather to market fluctuations but it rewards due diligence, strong relationships, and hard work
- an Agricultural Business Analyst is given an opportunity to practice business principles in a unique market segment where there is a strong sense of community and desire to help young professionals grow into their career
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Kevin Sargent Ph.D.: Teachability, innovation, understanding and interpreting data, agricultural communication, precision agriculture focusing on drones, machine learning, apps, and the ability to calibrate and understand computers and equipment.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Sargent Ph.D.: Know your experience, monetize it in an honest way, aim high when negotiating salary since there is no going back up when a lower salary is offered.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Kevin Sargent Ph.D.: In agriculture, it is important to be honest about your skills and knowledge while also not selling yourself short. Students should have gained plenty of hands-on experience that counts as expertise.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
José Quintero: Interdisciplinary approaches will become more and more important; we're already experiencing the need to integrate even more knowledge than what traditionally was thought of for agricultural economists and agribusiness professionals, not only in the next 3-5 years, but this is today's situation to address; now we are being inspired by disciplines such as computer science, psychology, and even photography, every day we are in greater need of integrating more knowledge into our field to better assess our goals. Thankfully we live in a world where talented people with different interests improve knowledge across everything that exists, taking advantage of that information is key to success; innovation is born when curiosity, creativity, and the desire for knowledge meet into projects; learning how to learn will no doubt be the best skill anybody can master.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
José Quintero: Learning how to learn is one of the best skills you can master, don't stop the pursuit of knowledge. Knowledge can be your best friend, and its concept is much bigger than education, and of course much bigger than classrooms. As you transition into either more education or the workforce don't be shy and ask as many questions as you want/need, and make sure you have the priority of finding yourself (and be grateful to) good mentors. In the food system is important to always have a comprehensive look at the situations we face, try to always learn from other disciplines. When you study agricultural economics, agribusiness, or any related field you need to speak the language of agronomists, social scientists, among other interdisciplinary fields, so go out of your comfort zone and learn more; if you're for example very good with the financial analysis side of the job don't be shy and try to get closer to what soil scientists do and vice versa.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
José Quintero: I think you made a great choice if you major in agricultural economics or agribusiness, this is a great field and there's an increasing demand for talented people. Look at salary and earnings as a marathon, not a sprint; keep the incentive of improving your financial health as an important decision factor for your career, but also don't forget about the big picture; find yourself a meaningful purpose in your path and work hard to become good at it. Sure, learn the skills the market is demanding from you, be great at Excel, programming, data analysis, AI, and such, but focus on finding the purpose of the skills you acquire. You chose a good path going into an industry that will be needed forever, we will always need food, and our food needs are both increasing and constantly evolving, there will be jobs across all sectors of the supply chain and this will hold true for all the time we have left in this world; because of that, the sky is the limit regarding the opportunities you want to pursue for yourself. Consider all compensation components, including emotional compensation, it's important to feel content with your workplace and your role at the organization. I'm a big supporter of talking about money with your peers, have open conversations about how you all are being compensated, ask them about their salary offers, what benefits they receive, and don't be shy about sharing yours.
Frank Rossi Ph.D.
New York State Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Associate Professor of HorticultureCornell University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Frank Rossi Ph.D.: Here at Cornell, we foster the idea that one's career journey commences during their academic experience and is further solidified through our internship requirement, which seamlessly integrates employment opportunities with academic learning. The best advice we can offer right now is to remain open to opportunities, cultivate data literacy, and be flexible regarding where you might apply your skills within the broad spectrum of disciplines involved in agriculture and food systems. We are witnessing emerging trends in production areas that are focused on addressing climate change, promoting soil health, and advancing digital agriculture. There is no doubt that the utilization of data will continue to significantly impact the entire food system, encompassing production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. All these fields present excellent opportunities for new graduates in agriculture.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank Rossi Ph.D.: Important trends will be increased use of data science and analytics, sustainability science that applies metrics to GHG emissions and other aspects of Life Cycle Analysis, soil health management and scaling up Agroecological principles into traditional ag. Skills will have to include strong global knowledge, resilience and risk management, and automation/robotics.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Frank Rossi Ph.D.: I prefer not to focus solely on maximizing earnings right out of college, as I believe the first five years of one's career are a crucial learning period. Therefore, if possible, I encourage a more selective approach that prioritizes skill acquisition. However, for those whose primary focus is maximizing salary immediately, the highest salaries are typically found in the tech industry, corporate science, start-ups, as well as in agricultural business and finance sectors. Many of these firms seek recent graduates with a working knowledge of agriculture to inform chemical, biological, or mechanical technology, as well as to guide investments in agriculture.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Elvis Elli PhD: Have a clear understanding of what the expectations are from you and exceed those. Demonstrate you are adding value to your institution. Always try to enhance your skills and build networking.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elvis Elli PhD: Problem-solving skills are among the most important, in my opinion. Agriculture is a complex sector and requires critical thinking and creativity for decision making. Providing leadership to manage projects and teams and enhancing the ability to make quick, assertive decisions is critical.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Elvis Elli PhD: Work hard and try to add value to your company/institution. Build strong networks and interdisciplinary collaborations. Engage with local and international community of your expertise area and find what are the gaps that need to be addressed. Take advantage of the digital tools currently available.
Dr. Danielle Kaminski
Assistant ProfessorFort Hays State University
Agricultural Business And Management
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Dr. Danielle Kaminski: To maximize your salary potential I would recommend an internship. Internships are good for many reasons including to be sure it’s a field you want to work in. Your degree program, like the one in agribusiness at Fort Hays State University, may not require an internship but this will help set you apart, help you practice applying course concepts in the real world, and expand your network. Also, know what skills you’ve developed from prior experiences, including college. The more your skills match the job ad the more of an asset you’ll be to the company. Finally, know your personal goals, including financial goals. Some agribusiness positions pay as competitively as other industries. Others may require more prioritization on preserving rural communities or you could be working part-time calculating books for a family member.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Danielle Kaminski: We’ve already seen the start of this trend but more and more data is being collected and needs to be analyzed to improve decision-making. Being efficient in Excel, for example, and having a basic understanding of data analysis are important skills. The “soft-skill” of communication will also always be important. You’ll need to be able to interpret and translate results for clients, you’ll have to actively listen to customer needs and also to learn about their operations which may involve significant technology changes, types of capital investments, and so on.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Danielle Kaminski: Anyone in agriculture needs to be adaptable. If you’re in production agriculture you adapt to the weather and other natural events. In agribusiness you need to adapt policies and recommendations based on the type of agribusiness, the business size, the goals of the operator, the manager’s level of risk aversion, etc. It’s important to remember that the skills you learned are tools but we should be cautious about applying too many cookie-cutter solutions. It’s also important to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Providing the wrong recommendation because you don’t understand a numeric output or are guessing at how to calculate it can be detrimental for a business. Even with a university degree, no one expects you to know everything. At the least, as was said, each business is different. For example, each ag lender may have slightly different loan requirements or cut-offs for what they mark as safe, risky, and too risky for lending.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Dennis Fennewald: There is a shortage of agriculture professionals in the entire supply chain, especially at the farm level. Less than 2% of the US population is directly involved in production agriculture. This has led to the need for more technology and people who understand and can operate that technology. Much of this is due to the success of the second and third agriculture revolutions, which greatly increased production per farmer and reduced the rural population. This is the most exciting time in agriculture. Agriculture is entering a fourth Agriculture Revolution, which is sometimes referred to as the Brown Revolution. It is focusing on the Soil Health Principles to correct some of the negative impacts of the Green Revolution. There is a lot of interest in the sustainability of agriculture and new information is being published almost daily on improving soil health. Crop producers are looking at reducing tillage, planting cover crops and more efficient use of pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer via precision agriculture. Cattle and sheep producers are looking at better grazing strategies (adaptive multi-paddock or AMP), producing more adapted animals for each region, sequestering carbon and increasing water infiltration. In addition, the internet has exposed farmers to other marketing strategies. Consumers can now buy food and have it shipped frozen to their door.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dennis Fennewald: There are many careers in agriculture and the requirements vary from low-tech to high-tech. Some careers require a person to be very physically fit. The days can be long during parts of the year, especially when it is planting or harvesting season. Each day is different but all of the careers require the ability to be trained, a willingness to learn (life-long learners), and a desire to be a team player. Work ethic and grit is highly valued. One computer skill that would be very helpful is being able to use Excel.
What will help Agricultural Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dennis Fennewald: The success of any business lies with the people. There are many wonderful people in agriculture dedicated to producing, processing and distributing safe, nutritious food to consumers not only in the US but around the world. Agriculture involves food, which is a perishable product. There are a lot of regulations in place to ensure that consumers can buy safe, nutritious food year-round.
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.
Department HeadCalifornia Polytechnic State University
BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Agricultural Specialist resumes?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Learn by doing - our Junior and Senior classes are all project-based with 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of lab. The students design and fabricate items related to the classes, which include: AutoCAD, solid works, machine design and fabrication, robotics and sensor designs and fabrication, concrete slab and wall design and fabrication.
-We work closely with our industry partners to make sure our students get meaningful internships. We have our own career fair.
-Leadership - our students are active in our clubs, where they are putting their skills to work, including Grow Crew (greenhouse, plant factory, aquaponics, and aquaculture), Ag Bot Club (autonomous machinery), ASABE Robotics (robots made for specific tasks. Students compete at international competition.), 1/4 scale tractor pull (ASABE national competition. Students build a new 1/4 scale tractor every year), Tractor Pull Club (students compete and maintain large tractors used in tractor pull competitions at over 20 fairs and events around California each year. They recently designed and built a new 1,500 HP version and have a 2,500 HP tractor.), students work to organize nationally sponsored rallies for ag engineering students around California, and the Ag Engineering Society (raise funds for scholarships by organizing and cooking hamburgers every Thursday and participate in catering events around campus).
What soft skills should all Agricultural Specialists possess?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Leadership, see above
-Writing. Our student's career at Cal Poly culminates in the production of an exceedingly high-quality Capstone design report.
What skills will help Agricultural Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Leadership - active in clubs
-First, students hired speak conversational Spanish because that is the primary language of California's workforce.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Agricultural Specialists?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Irrigation and canal system design and management skills
-Machinery design and fabrication
i. Solid works
ii. Machine shop and welding
iii. Servo hydraulic power and control systems (Danfoss Plus 1 programing)
Sunghwan (Sunny) Jung
Associate ProfessorCornell University
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Agricultural Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Sunghwan (Sunny) Jung: Probably, remote-working jobs. Even though the overall job market is freezed a bit, there are many remote-working jobs; I heard that CDC is hiring a lot of people for contact tracing. But, once the pandemic is over, normal jobs (in-person workers, consultants, etc) will come back.
What skills stand out on Agricultural Specialist resumes?
Sunghwan (Sunny) Jung: 1. Specific technical skills like program language, certain instruments
2. Team work experience (Student project team, capstone design)
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agricultural Specialists to find work opportunities?
Sunghwan (Sunny) Jung: Most students go to on-campus job fair to find a job.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Agricultural Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Garth Woodruff Ph.D.: The trends we are already seeing is the "at-home" movement. People are living at home, working, cooking, etc., in a much greater way at home. This has created a significant demand in the residential landscape industry. I've had students competing for internships that in the end the company just hired them both. That wouldn't have happened a year ago. The landscape industry has been strong and growing over the last 40 plus years. However, what we have seen in the last nine months is astonishing. This at-home movement transcends how we see our space to how we cook, clean, entertain, even pets. So, for my current students it is very positive.
What Agricultural Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Garth Woodruff Ph.D.: This question brings into light the stark reality that we are seeing significant differences in student success. For many a classroom setting can be stimulating and bring out the best in a person. But when moved to an online environment that same successful student is struggling. And now we are all looking at ways to create positive experiences for those that aren't blossoming in this different learning environment. A gap year is one option. And even that gap year looks different because jobs are sparse in some areas and travel is difficult. My advice for a gap year is to be purposeful. Don't step out of an academic program without a thought-out plan. Because we are out of the norms adventure or work won't just fall in your lap.
And, taking a year to sit at home binging on game systems or social media is no way to spend a year of your life. Be purposeful in how that gap year looks. Find ways to enhance your learning or resume outside of the classroom. Seek work, be willing to volunteer during this time of need, look to family, be innovated or even entrepreneurial. Opportunities are there, but they look different and those taking a gap year will need to approach it with a purpose and plan. For the record, I love gap years. We can only teach and learn so much in a classroom. Travel and experiences build some of the strongest emotional intelligence one can get. If the current classroom setting isn't working look to other ways you can grow yourself.
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Garth Woodruff Ph.D.: This is a tough time for graduates to be setting off into the new work market. We are clearly lucky in our department to have disciplines that are in high demand during a pandemic. But, if you're in an area that is slowed during the pandemic I think my advice would be three-fold:
Consider grad school - while your industry is slow use it as a way to get a leg up on other graduates and catapult yourself into a higher station when your industry comes back.
Look at other areas to build your resume - online certificates that are short and easy from well-known schools are cheap these days, time to seek mentors or build a professional possie is ample, being willing to take an unpaid internship just to build connections is possible. Look at ways to build a resume for a year vs. lamenting not getting that entry-level job.
Don't get a job, make a job - a big mix up in economy like this often creates openings in markets, even slowed markets. Look for those fissures in your industry and be brave enough to fill those gaps with entrepreneurial endeavors. If you can't get a job, start a business. When big business can't move fast enough in a rapidly changing market, be willing to jump in as a limber graduate.
Jimmy Bricker Ph.D.
InstructorCameron University
Department of Agriculture, Biology & Health Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Agricultural Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Jimmy Bricker Ph.D.: Having the discipline to work remotely with minimal supervision and still be effective is the first trend of the day, it seems. No matter your discipline, chances are your new job will involve a virtual element. The trend for the agricultural employee hasn't changed much because of the pandemic.
Employers are looking for someone with a well-rounded knowledge of agriculture that includes agronomics, animal science, and business. Employers will train their recruits on the specifics of their enterprise and systems.
That process is much easier for them if the candidate has the background and mental agility to adapt their degree knowledge to learning their business and the candidate's specific job.
What skills stand out on Agricultural Specialist resumes?
Jimmy Bricker Ph.D.: Using technology to the extent that the student has had the exposure is an eye catcher. The technology attached to drones covers most all of the agriculture fields from crops to livestock. Obviously, using data on a computer and applying it to a management decision demonstrates applied knowledge. Showing that you have some investigative experience by asking how it is that we are doing this, how are we using this, and how can it be done better indicates critical thinking. Whatever experience you are able to participate in at school, try to think about how it can be described in a resume to fit a skill. Students do a lot of neat things during their university years that are surely just part of the university experience, but they can also be resume bullets if thought of from a learning standpoint.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agricultural Specialists to find work opportunities?
Jimmy Bricker Ph.D.: There are good places for jobs both geographically and within disciplines. The caveat is that with the slowdown in tax revenues for governments because of the pandemic, government job openings don't look good at present. Those would be extension, university, federal and state ag departments. Private industry has kept right on clicking and offering opportunities. Banking in the agricultural areas has been particularly interested in agriculture graduates from all disciplines. Recreational jobs in turf grass and horticulture are hiring. Livestock sectors are looking for students to advance the use of technology in their operations, be that genetic, nutritional efficiency, or electronic.
Curtis Weller Ph.D.
Head and ProfessorUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
Department of Food Sciences and Technology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Agricultural Specialists?
Curtis Weller Ph.D.: Indeed, those who adapt and persevere during this highly turbulent time will have experiences, knowledge, and confidence to draw upon when confronted with uncertainty and need to be flexible.
What type of skills will young Agricultural Specialists need?
Curtis Weller Ph.D.: A solid grounding in primary chemical, microbiological, and physical principles are applied to food materials with an awareness of the global food system's strengths and weaknesses, especially its carbon footprint, sustainability, and resiliency in a changing climate.
What experience really stands out on Agricultural Specialist resumes?
Curtis Weller Ph.D.: -Practical experience through jobs, internships, or vocational volunteering,
-Demonstration of leadership, and
-Demonstration of comprehension of at least one culture beyond a graduate's own.
Cathy Herren Carr
Director, Alumni and Career ServicesUniversity of Florida
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
What general advice would you give to an Agricultural Specialist?
Cathy Herren Carr: A 2018 APLU study on critical growth areas for students showed that new professionals need to be prepared for the following:
-Understand their role in the workplace and have realistic career expectations
-Recognize and deal constructively with conflict
-Accept and apply critique and direction in the workplace
-Listen effectively
-Communicate accurately and concisely
I would encourage graduating students to challenge themselves through group work, both inside and outside the classroom, to embrace conflict and critique. Although that is difficult for many, if they can address these situations positively, it can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth. Communication is also critical. Students need to learn to listen effectively and communicate accurately and concisely to prepare themselves for the workforce.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Agricultural Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Cathy Herren Carr: There is salary information for entry-level positions available at Careerresources. This information is gathered from numerous colleges of agriculture and related sciences throughout the United States. In my opinion, career prospects in agriculture and related sciences are vital as we continue to work to feed a growing population through innovative and sustainable means.
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.
Professor - Morrison School of AgribusinessArizona State University
W. P. Carey School of Business
What type of skills will young Agricultural Specialists need?
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.: I continually hear from industry partners that they are looking for graduates with strong written and verbal communication skills, solid quantitative and critical thinking skills, the ability to work well with others and adapt, curiosity, and work ethic. Many of the firms I engage with work in the food and agribusiness industry are also looking for students with familiarity with and appreciation for the uniqueness and complexities of the food and agribusiness industry and a desire to work in the industry.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agricultural Specialists to find work opportunities?
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.: I have not observed or heard of any geographical area that is at a particular advantage right now in terms of “a particularly good place in the United States for graduates to find work,” at least in the area of food and agribusiness, in which I teach and conduct research. It just depends on where a company and its facilities are located and where their given needs are. I do think recent graduates should be flexible, in terms of location, as that opens up more doors.
How do you envision technology impacting Agricultural Specialists in the next 5 years?
Mark Manfredo Ph.D.: It will be huge. Some of the most critical topics in food and agribusiness today are big data collection and analysis, IoT, robotics, and automation. Rapid technology innovation and adoption is being seen at all levels of the food value chain – from farm to consumer. There are too many compelling examples to delineate here. Still, there is a considerable financial investment in these technologies occurring now, and I anticipate this to continue well into the future.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Agricultural Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Joshua Adams: Right now, the most significant demand is in medium to large commercial timber companies.
How do you envision technology impacting Agricultural Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Joshua Adams: Over the last decade, the trend will continue in which we will have to bridge the historical forestry technologies with new remote sensing, drone, and genetic technologies as we move toward precision forestry practices.