Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

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Career Profile

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

What they do

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.

Also Called: Aquaculture Director, Farm Manager, Farm Operations Technical Director, Fish Hatchery Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Harvesting Manager, Hatchery Manager, Hatchery Supervisor, Nursery Manager, Ranch Manager, Aquaculture Director, Farm Manager, Farm Operations Technical Director, Fish Hatchery Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Harvesting Manager, Hatchery Manager, Hatchery Supervisor, Nursery Manager, Ranch Manager

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$54,320
Starting Salary (2025)
$89,900
Median Salary (2025)
-1.3%
Projected Job Growth
6,500
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
Coordinate clerical, record-keeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Integrity
Initiative
Leadership
Attention to Detail
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Speaking
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Related Careers

Agricultural Engineers
Agricultural Technicians
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
Soil and Plant Scientists
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.