Soil shares the same structure and capabilities as the largest human organ—the skin. Both are complex, layered, protective yet flexible and support every function that sustains life. Soil scientists study soil’s dynamic composition to understand how it can be managed to protect and improve agricultural practices, environmental quality and human health.
Did you know there are more than 10,000 different grape varieties? That means thousands of unique tastes, colors, and potential uses. Viticulturists are experts in the growing of grapes – working to ensure vineyards deliver the quality and quantity of grapes required to meet demand for beverage and food production. Often the head of operations, viticulturists are responsible for all portions of the grape growing process, including soil preparation, pest and disease control, irrigation and proper harvesting.
The world is changing fast in the wildlife kingdom and we need to be able to help wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. We couldn’t do this without the help of wildlife biologist and zoologist. These professionals study the characteristics and behavior of animals – gaining a better understanding of how they interact with each other and their environments. Through breeding programs, informational presentations, and collecting and analyzing biological specimens, zoologists and wildlife biologists work on the front lines of the effort to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
We live in a world of green and growing things; fruits, vegetables, flowers and other types of plants not only make our world beautiful, but they also provide the food we need. The plant world contains thousands of varieties of plants that Horticulturists study and conduct experiments on to develop ways to maximize their growth and health. They may determine optimal soil composition, research chemical-free pest management solutions or oversee nurseries and greenhouses.
Our water supply is, well, less than infinite—and hydrologists are our go-to scientists and activists for conserving it. Their passion for protecting this limited resource, combined with their deep understanding of how water circulates above- and underground, paves the way for more innovative solutions to the evolving environmental, agricultural and societal needs. But it’s not just about water conversation; hydrologists help humans adapt to its unpredictability for a more harmonious coexistence.
Precision agriculture technicians use technology to be more precise and controlled when it comes to agriculture. From GPS to satellite, their perspective is key to creating better food—and more of it. Thanks to their tech-savviness, crop and livestock production becomes a more sustainable practice.
The United States is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. We enjoy a variety of different ecosystems and benefit from their natural resources—but do you ever wonder what might happen if these resources were depleted? Conservation scientists fight to ensure this never happens. They work with landowners, governments and farmers to protect and preserve natural environments while finding new ways to improve them.
The focus of an entomologist’s work can take them anywhere in the world as an expert in one main thing: insects. Entomologists study everything about insects from their classification to their behavior, life cycle, distribution and so on. A boundless and versatile career, entomologists work as researchers, teachers and consultants—for universities, private companies or government agencies. Where bugs go, entomologists follow; their impact is truly global.
Modern industries provide us with convenience and comfort—but unfortunately there is potential for dangerous waste and pollutants as well. When these pollutants endanger the quality of our air, soil and water, environmental engineers strive to solve these pressing issues and improve conditions. They work to advance issues like waste disposal, unsafe drinking water, recycling and sustainability.
Environmental engineering technicians are the boots on the ground in the fight against pollution—working front lines to save our planet. These professionals collect and test water and soil samples, inspect worksites and assist in the development of new devices and practices that protect our natural resources and public health.
Subscribe to the Field Atlas newsletter to get the latest on exciting careers, new discoveries and opportunities in agbioscience.
This site includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. AgriNovus Indiana has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
In addition to O’Net, AgriNovus Indiana gathered information from several resources. If you would like more information about the data on this site, please contact us at fieldatlas@agrinovusindiana.com.
