30 AGCAREERS.COMAGRICULTURE & FOOD CAREER GUIDE companies, universities, government agencies, consulting firms, research laboratories, museums, field stations, and parks and recreation areas. AVERAGE SALARY $43,000 per year 3. FLAVOR TECHNOLOGIST It’s a delicious career! JOB SYNOPSIS If your Starbucks order is a complex combination of milks, syrups and espresso, you might have what it takes for one of the most unusual careers in agriculture. Coffee is considered one of the most complex flavors to exist. Flavor technologists use these complexities to develop the tastes used in food and drinks. In a fusion of chemistry and kitchen know-how, they develop new formulas, run samples and manage experiments in a laboratory. AREAS OF STUDY High school students can get a head start in this field by taking classes in ag education, family and consumer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry and computer skills. From there, advanced degrees in food science, nutrition or chemistry further develop skills. Passing an examination with the Society of Flavor Chemists and undergoing a seven-year apprenticeship under a senior flavorist is the cherry on top. COMMON EMPLOYERS Professionals in these careers typically work for food companies or flavor houses that focus on producing and selling flavors to be used by the food and beverage industries. AVERAGE SALARY $60,000 per year 4. GAME WARDEN Are you game? JOB SYNOPSIS Jurassic Park is more than an award-winning, multibillion-dollar franchise. It’s a story about the immense responsibility and value of game wardens. Game wardens are focused on ensuring the protection and safety of wild animals. While they often work to enforce laws related to hunting and fishing, they also create wildlife conservation programs and educate the public. AREAS OF STUDY Courses in ag education, natural resources, biology, earth science and mathematics lay a foundation for pursuing a career as a game warden. Earning a bachelor’s degree in relevant areas such as environmental science, natural resources or wildlife management is also a great addition to an education plan. COMMON EMPLOYERS Game wardens are almost always employed at a state or national park, preserve and range, which gives them some of the best views in the world. AVERAGE SALARY $58,000 per year 5. ATHLETIC TURF MANAGER The grass is always greener in turf management. JOB SYNOPSIS Are you looking at a career that is even rarer than becoming a professional football player or golfer? It involves managing these sporting grounds. Athletic turf managers ensure the turf and surrounding areas of sporting grounds are pristine, healthy and ready for game time. They plan, oversee and manage major athletics grounds and field renovation projects while also being responsible for tasks such as project management and budgeting. AREAS OF STUDY These professionals typically need a high school diploma or college degree in turf grass management, horticulture or crop science, in addition to studying courses such as ag education, mathematics, biology, chemistry and environmental science. COMMON EMPLOYERS They are usually employed by universities, golf courses, municipal stadiums or even professional sporting teams. AVERAGE SALARY $50,000 per year 6. WIND TURBINE TECHNICIAN A “wind-wind” career path. JOB SYNOPSIS According to the U.S. Wind Turbine Database, there are more than 70,800 turbines across 44 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. Not only is that number impressive due to the massive size of these turbines, but it also means good career prospects for wind turbine technicians. Wind techs are responsible for installing new turbines as well as maintaining and repairing existing structures. AREAS OF STUDY An associate degree in applied sciences such as wind energy technology may meet many job requirements. However, in some cases, only a high school diploma is required if you take courses such as ag education, agricultural mechanics, environmental science, physics and computer skills. If you are in an area with a large wind turbine presence, you may be able to receive training specifically as a wind turbine technician. COMMON EMPLOYERS Electrical companies and cooperatives often hire wind techs. Also, private energy firms focus on wind energy-producing areas. Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas have a high demand for these jobs, and the industry continues to grow. AVERAGE SALARY $42,000 per year Visit AgExplorer.FFA.org to see the new features in action and to learn more about ag careers. Photo by micromaniac86 on Adobe Stock AG
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