Grow your career in the agriculture industry—one of the foundational sectors of our region’s economy. From farming and agribusiness to food science and technology, agriculture offers diverse career paths with lasting opportunities. Discover training programs, certifications, and employment resources to get started.
Agriculture careers go far beyond farming—Florida’s agriculture industry supports roles in science, technology, engineering, business, and environmental sustainability.
North Florida is one of the top regions in the state for timber and forestry production—supporting careers in environmental science, heavy equipment operation, and natural resource management.
The agriculture industry offers a wide range of career pathways—both in the field and beyond. From hands-on roles like crop production, animal care, and equipment operation to high-tech careers in precision agriculture, environmental science, and agri-business, this industry is rooted in innovation. Whether you're interested in sustainability, science, or skilled trades, agriculture provides opportunities to grow a rewarding career that supports communities and feeds the world.
Problem-solving Skills
Communication
Adaptability
Teamwork
Detail-oriented Thinking
Agricultural Inspectors ensure that plants, animals, and agricultural products meet safety and quality standards. They inspect farms, processing plants, and shipments to enforce regulations and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Inspect crops, livestock, and equipment; enforce regulations; sample products; issue reports.
Farms, packing plants, border checkpoints, and offices.
Fieldwork combined with documentation and regulatory duties; detail-oriented and investigative work.
Attention to detail, knowledge of agriculture regulations, communication skills, problem-solving.
Typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field; on-the-job training.
Senior inspector, compliance officer, agricultural manager, or roles in regulatory agencies.
Agricultural Technicians assist scientists and farmers by collecting data, conducting experiments, and supporting research to improve crop yields and farming methods.
Collect soil, water, and plant samples; operate lab equipment; assist with field research.
Farms, research labs, greenhouses, and outdoor fields.
Combination of fieldwork and laboratory work; routine data collection and analysis.
Analytical skills, attention to detail, knowledge of biology/agriculture, technical aptitude.
Associate degree or certificate in agricultural technology or related field; on-the-job training.
Research assistant, crop specialist, agronomist, or agricultural scientist roles.
Farm Equipment Mechanics repair and maintain the machinery used on farms, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation systems, ensuring equipment runs safely and efficiently.
Diagnose mechanical problems; perform repairs and maintenance; inspect equipment.
Repair shops, farms, and machinery dealerships.
Hands-on, technical work with machinery; often physically demanding and requiring problem-solving.
Mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting, physical stamina, attention to detail.
High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or apprenticeship; certifications helpful.
Equipment technician supervisor, machinery sales or service manager, or specialized mechanic roles.
Farmworkers perform manual labor tasks to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops, raise livestock, or work in aquaculture operations such as fish farms. They are essential to the daily operations of farms and ranches.
Plant and harvest crops; care for animals; maintain farm facilities; operate basic machinery.
Outdoors on farms, ranches, and aquaculture sites; physically demanding and often seasonal.
Labor-intensive work with early hours and variable weather conditions.
Physical stamina, reliability, basic machinery operation, teamwork.
Typically no formal education required; on-the-job training common.
Equipment operator, crew leader, livestock manager, or transition to technical agriculture roles.
Forest and Conservation Workers manage and protect forested lands by planting trees, controlling pests, maintaining trails, and supporting conservation efforts.
Plant and thin trees; remove invasive species; build and maintain trails; assist in wildfire prevention.
Outdoor forested areas, parks, and conservation sites.
Physically demanding outdoor work; seasonal and weather-dependent.
Physical fitness, environmental awareness, use of hand and power tools, teamwork.
High school diploma or equivalent; training on safety and equipment use provided.
Forestry technician, conservation specialist, environmental scientist, or park ranger.
Landscape Technicians plan, install, and maintain landscapes, working on more complex projects than general groundskeepers. They manage irrigation systems, plant health, and landscape design elements to create and preserve attractive outdoor environments.
Install and care for plants, trees, and shrubs; operate irrigation systems; diagnose and treat plant diseases; assist with landscape design implementation.
Residential, commercial, and public outdoor spaces; often outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Hands-on work requiring technical knowledge of plants and systems; some supervisory duties; physically active.
Plant care expertise, irrigation system knowledge, problem-solving, attention to detail, communication.
High school diploma or equivalent; certifications in horticulture or landscape technology preferred; on-the-job training common.
Landscape supervisor, horticulturist, landscape designer, nursery manager.
Nursery Managers oversee the production and care of plants grown in nurseries for sale, landscaping, or restoration projects. They manage staff, operations, and ensure healthy plant growth.
Supervise nursery operations; manage plant propagation, watering, and pest control; coordinate staff and inventory.
Plant nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers.
Combination of office and outdoor work; requires leadership and horticultural knowledge.
Plant care expertise, management skills, organization, problem-solving.
Often a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or agriculture; experience in nursery work.
Landscape manager, horticulturist, agricultural consultant, or nursery owner.
Agricultural Equipment Operators handle the machinery that plants, cultivates, and harvests crops. They ensure equipment is used efficiently and safely to maximize farm productivity.
Operate tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery; perform routine maintenance; follow safety protocols.
Farms and agricultural fields; work often depends on seasons.
Physically active, hands-on work with machinery; seasonal hours common.
Mechanical skills, attention to detail, coordination, safety awareness.
High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certification in equipment operation.
Farm manager, precision agriculture technician, equipment maintenance supervisor.
Logging Equipment Operators operate heavy machinery to cut, move, and process timber. Their work supports forestry management and the timber industry.
Run machines like skidders and loaders; cut and transport logs; maintain equipment.
Forested areas, logging sites; often outdoors in challenging terrain.
Physically demanding, potentially hazardous work requiring safety vigilance.
Mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, attention to safety, problem-solving.
High school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or apprenticeships often required.
Forestry supervisor, heavy equipment trainer, safety inspector.
Survey and Mapping Technicians collect data and create maps that help farmers, developers, and environmentalists manage land resources effectively. They use GPS and other technologies to measure land boundaries and features.
Conduct field surveys, collect geographical data, operate GPS and mapping equipment, prepare maps and reports.
Outdoor fieldwork and office settings; may work in various weather conditions.
Combination of physical outdoor work and technical office work; detail-oriented and precise.
Technical skills, attention to detail, math proficiency, ability to work outdoors.
Associate degree or certificate in surveying, geomatics, or related fields; on-the-job training common.
Surveyor, GIS specialist, land development planner.
Veterinary Technicians assist veterinarians by providing medical care to animals, performing lab tests, and helping with surgeries and treatments. They play a key role in animal health and welfare.
Administer medications, assist in surgeries, perform lab work, monitor animal health.
eterinary clinics, animal hospitals, farms, research facilities.
Hands-on animal care; may involve handling sick or injured animals; requires compassion and precision.
Medical knowledge, attention to detail, communication skills, compassion.
Associate degree in veterinary technology; certification or licensing required in most states.
Veterinary technologist, animal health specialist, veterinary practice manager.
Environmental Technicians monitor and test environmental conditions to ensure compliance with regulations and help protect natural resources. They collect samples and conduct tests on soil, water, and air quality.
Collect environmental samples, conduct lab tests, record data, assist in environmental cleanup projects.
Outdoor field sites, laboratories, government agencies, environmental consulting firms.
Field and lab work; requires attention to detail and safety awareness.
Analytical skills, technical lab skills, data recording, environmental science knowledge.
Associate degree in environmental science or related field; on-the-job training.
Environmental scientist, hazardous materials specialist, environmental consultant.
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, Aquaculture
Forest and Conservation Workers
Agricultural Equipment Operator
Agricultural Inspector
Agricultural Technicians
Farm Equipment Mechanics
Landscaping Technician
Logging Equipment Operators
Nursery Manager
Survey & Mapping Technicians
Veterinary Technician
Environmental Technician
