1. Plant
Systems

2. Objectives
To learn a basic understanding of the Plant Systems Pathway.
To discover career options available within the Plant Systems Pathway.
To explore the working environment, educational requirements, skills needed and salary of careers available within the Plant Systems Pathway

3. Pathway Overview Careers focus on plants and their growth
Duties include:
helping producers of food, feed and fiber crops continue to feed a growing population
providing plants and other horticultural entities for the aesthetic and environmental well being of our planet

4. Botanist Career description: study plants and their environment
study aspects of plant life
can specialize in several areas, including identification, classification, plant diseases and more

5. Botanist Education/training:
bachelor’s degree in plant science is the minimum requirement
master’s or doctorate degree in plant science or a related field is needed for some positions
Median salary:
$58,940

6. Agronomist Career description: study plants and their growth in soil
focus on increasing the productivity and nutritional value of seeds and crops
communicate research and project results to professionals and the public

7. Agronomist Career description:
teach related courses, seminars or workshops to producers

8. Agronomist Education/training:
bachelor’s degree in plant science is required
Median salary:
$58,450

9. Education & Extension Specialist
Career description:
advise, instruct and assist in agriculture and agricultural-related processes
use research findings to solve problems

10. Education & Extension Specialist
Career description:
Instruct in product development and how to use machinery and equipment
teach classes or give lectures in farming techniques

11. Education & Extension Specialist
Education/training:
bachelor’s degree in a related field such as agriculture education is the minimum requirement
Median salary:
$45,430

12. Farmer/Agricultural Manager
Career description:
operate farms, ranches, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracts or other agricultural production establishments
produce crops, livestock, poultry, fish or other animal species

13. Farmer/Agricultural Manager
Career description:
plant, cultivate, harvest, perform post-harvest activities and market crops and livestock
hire, train and supervise farm workers
prepare cost, production and other records

14. Farmer/Agricultural Manager
Career description:
maintain and operate machinery and perform physical work

15. Farmer/Agricultural Manager
Education/training:
high school diploma and vocational training is required
two or four year degree in business or farm management with an agriculture emphasis may also be needed
Median salary:
$64,660

16. Certified Crop Advisor
Career description:
supervise and coordinate activities of agricultural crops or horticultural employees
inspect crops, fields and plants to determine need for cultivating, spraying, weeding or harvesting

17. Certified Crop Advisor
Career description:
assign irrigation, cultivation and harvesting of crops
assign product packaging, grading and equipment maintenance
prepare reports on farm conditions, machinery breakdowns, crop yields or labor problems

18. Certified Crop Advisor
Education/training:
high school diploma and vocational training is required
Median salary:
$42,600

19. Entomologist Career description:
develop new technologies to control or eliminate crop pests
develop ways to prevent the spread of harmful pests to new areas
develop technologies which are environmentally friendly

20. Entomologist Career description:
work in laboratories, insectaries or at agricultural research stations
spend time outdoors studying or collecting insects

21. Entomologist Education/training:
bachelor’s degree in agricultural science
Median salary:
$57,420

22. Plant Scientist Career description:
research breeding, physiology, production and management of crops and agricultural plants
help plant producers provide food and fiber for the population

23. Plant Scientist Career description:
devise ways to have high crop production while maintaining the environment
find ways to improve nutritional value of food crops

24. Plant Scientist Career description:
use genetic engineering to create pest resistant crops
give recommendations to farmers and landowners on how to best use land and improve plant growth

25. Plant Scientist Education/training:
bachelor’s degree in plant science for applied research
master’s or doctorate degree for basic research
Median salary:
$58,450

26. Bioinformatics Specialist
Career description:
study the growth and characteristics of plants and their environment
focus on incorporating molecular biology and information science

27. Bioinformatics Specialist
Career description:
carry out tests to detect harmful microorganisms
make cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms

28. Bioinformatics Specialist
Education/training:
doctorate degree required for high level research and teaching
master’s degree for basic research
bachelor’s degree for non-research positions
Median salary:
$57,980

29. Tree Surgeon Career description:
cut off dead or extra branches from trees or shrubs
keep roads, sidewalks and utilities clear of branches
improve appearance, health and value of a tree

30. Tree Surgeon Career description:
use handsaws, pruning hooks, sheers and clippers
may use truck-mounted lifts and power pruners
fill holes in trees to heal and prevent decay

31. Tree Surgeon Education/training: high school diploma may be necessary
Short-term, on-the-job training
Median salary:
$31,320

32. Golf Course Superintendent
Career description:
direct activities of landscape and grounds keeping workers such as planting and maintaining ornamental plants and applying fertilizer and pesticides

33. Golf Course Superintendent
Career description:
supervise projects to ensure instructions are followed, deadlines are met and schedules are kept
analyze finished work to ensure it conforms with specifications, standards and contract requirements
plan and organize projects

34. Golf Course Superintendent
Education/training:
college or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as landscape architecture may be required
Median salary:
$42,050

35. Discussion Questions
Describe the Plant Systems Pathway and the careers available within the pathway.
What education and training requirements are needed for most careers in this pathway?
What are the working conditions for most careers in this pathway?

36. Discussion Questions
4. Describe the average earnings of some careers in this pathway and why they differ from other careers.
5. List three character traits you possess which would make you successful in a career in this pathway.

37. Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013.

38. Acknowledgements Production Coordinator Holly Mannan John Carroll
Graphics Designer
Technical Writer
Jessica Odom
Vice President of
Executive Producers
Brand Management
Gordon Davis, Ph.D.
Clayton Franklin
Dusty Moore
CEV Multimedia. Ltd.
©MMXIII