Explore by Career/Management

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

Median pay: $87,980; per year
10-year outlook: -1.3%; Declining
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent

Key skills

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Complex Problem Solving
Management of Personnel Resources
Coordination
Judgment and Decision Making

What they do

Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.

Majors that lead here

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections) and O*NET, used under CC BY 4.0.