North Far North Careers

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Agriculture, Water and Environmental Technologies

California faces many environmental challenges, especially in the North Far North region. Wildfires, drought, flooding, and climate change pose real threats in California and worldwide. The agriculture, water, and environmental technology (Ag WET) industry is at the forefront of research into potential solutions to these challenges.

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View data from the:

Region
41,698
2022 Jobs
+9%
2022–2027 Projected Change
21.73/hr.
2022 Avg. Entry Level Wage

Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for? Job openings per year Entry-level Median Experienced
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 299 $17.29 $18.20 $18.92 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers 206 $19.33 $26.02 $37.54 View programs
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 132 $19.21 $23.39 $27.80 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 100 $16.33 $22.37 $29.72 View programs
Forest and Conservation Technicians 98 $17.92 $19.75 $27.81 View programs
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 75 $19.02 $22.81 $28.51 View programs
Agricultural Inspectors 53 $16.07 $18.93 $26.04
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation 48 $21.07 $21.49 $21.78 View programs
Floral Designers 44 $15.75 $20.31 $22.54 View programs
Agricultural Technicians 24 $17.24 $20.93 $27.87 View programs
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians 20 $18.05 $23.17 $30.77 View programs

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Job openings per year:

299

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $17.29/hr.
  • Median: $18.20/hr.
  • Experienced: $18.92/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Job openings per year:

206

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.33/hr.
  • Median: $26.02/hr.
  • Experienced: $37.54/hr.

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Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Job openings per year:

132

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.21/hr.
  • Median: $23.39/hr.
  • Experienced: $27.80/hr.

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Job openings per year:

100

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $16.33/hr.
  • Median: $22.37/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.72/hr.

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Forest and Conservation Technicians

Job openings per year:

98

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $17.92/hr.
  • Median: $19.75/hr.
  • Experienced: $27.81/hr.

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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Job openings per year:

75

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.02/hr.
  • Median: $22.81/hr.
  • Experienced: $28.51/hr.

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Agricultural Inspectors

Job openings per year:

53

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $16.07/hr.
  • Median: $18.93/hr.
  • Experienced: $26.04/hr.

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Job openings per year:

48

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $21.07/hr.
  • Median: $21.49/hr.
  • Experienced: $21.78/hr.

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Floral Designers

Job openings per year:

44

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $15.75/hr.
  • Median: $20.31/hr.
  • Experienced: $22.54/hr.

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Agricultural Technicians

Job openings per year:

24

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $17.24/hr.
  • Median: $20.93/hr.
  • Experienced: $27.87/hr.

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Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

Job openings per year:

20

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $18.05/hr.
  • Median: $23.17/hr.
  • Experienced: $30.77/hr.

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Top Employers & Skills

Employers

  • University of California
  • VCA Animal Hospitals
  • Banfield Pet Hospital
  • Petco
  • State of California
  • ACRT Pacific
  • United States Forest Service
  • Ethos Veterinary Health
  • ACRT Services
  • Brightview Landscape
  • California Public Utilities Commission
  • Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital
  • TruGreen Lawn Care
  • Pape Machinery
  • RSP Veterinary Services PLLC
  • United States Department of the Interior
  • The Davey Tree Expert Company
  • Terracare Associates
  • Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture

Specialized skills

  • Anesthesias
  • Surgery
  • Forestry
  • Venipuncture
  • Radiography
  • Agriculture
  • Radiology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Biology
  • Animal Care/Health

Technology & software skills

  • Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Software Systems
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Spreadsheets
  • ArcGIS (GIS Software)
  • Medical Software
  • Project Management Software
  • Inventory Control Systems
  • Inventory Management System
  • Practice Management Software

Employability skills

  • Communications
  • Management
  • Customer Service
  • Operations
  • Professionalism
  • Computer Literacy
  • Compassion
  • Leadership
  • Coordinating
  • Research

Source: Lightcast 2023.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Sample of reported job titles:

Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Avian Keeper, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, Inpatient Technician Assistant, Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant), Research Animal Attendant, Small Animal Caretaker, Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)

Tasks:

  • Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
  • Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
  • Fill medication prescriptions.
  • Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
  • Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
  • Give medications or immunizations.
  • Monitor patients to detect health problems.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
  • Control prescription refills or authorizations.

Work Context:

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 98% responded “Every day”
  • Spend Time Standing – 78% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 72% responded “Extremely important”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 80% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 67% responded “Constant contact with others”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

Sample of reported job titles:

Field Manager, Golf Course Superintendent, Grounds Crew Supervisor, Grounds Foreman, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Grounds Manager, Grounds Supervisor, Groundskeeper Supervisor, Landscape Manager, Landscape Supervisor

Tasks:

  • Establish and enforce operating procedures and work standards that will ensure adequate performance and personnel safety.
  • Schedule work for crews, depending on work priorities, crew or equipment availability, or weather conditions.
  • Tour grounds, such as parks, botanical gardens, cemeteries, or golf courses, to inspect conditions of plants and soil.
  • Monitor project activities to ensure that instructions are followed, deadlines are met, and schedules are maintained.
  • Direct activities of workers who perform duties, such as landscaping, cultivating lawns, or pruning trees and shrubs.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Establish work standards.
  • Plan employee work schedules.
  • Inspect work to ensure standards are met.
  • Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
  • Supervise maintenance workers.

Work Context:

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 95% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 85% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 82% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Coordinate or Lead Others – 74% responded “Extremely important”
  • Telephone – 85% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Sample of reported job titles:

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician (Emergency Vet Tech), Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Internal Medicine Vet Tech), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinarian Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Vet Lab Tech), Veterinary Nurse (Vet Nurse), Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Technologist

Tasks:

  • Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals’ responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
  • Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
  • Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
  • Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
  • Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
  • Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
  • Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
  • Maintain medical facility records.
  • Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.

Work Context:

  • Contact With Others – 83% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 79% responded “Extremely important”
  • Physical Proximity – 69% responded “Very close (near touching)”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 83% responded “Every day”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 68% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Animal Research Facility Supervisor, Cattle Manager, Farm Supervisor, Fish Hatchery Manager, Harvesting Supervisor, Hatchery Manager, Logging Crew Foreman, Logging Supervisor, Pest Management Supervisor, Wildlife Manager

Tasks:

  • Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
  • Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
  • Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
  • Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
  • Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
  • Record agricultural or forestry inventory data.
  • Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met.
  • Monitor animal behavior or condition.
  • Train workers in farming, forestry, or hunting techniques.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 82% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 69% responded “Every day”
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 71% responded “Every day”
  • Freedom to Make Decisions – 56% responded “A lot of freedom”
  • Contact With Others – 55% responded “Constant contact with others”
View more information on this job

Forest and Conservation Technicians

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

Sample of reported job titles:

Biological Science Aide, Forest Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Resource Technician, Timber Appraiser

Tasks:

  • Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
  • Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
  • Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
  • Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
  • Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Record research or operational data.
  • Cultivate land.
  • Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
  • Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
  • Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 98% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 87% responded “Extremely important”
  • Electronic Mail – 82% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 67% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 45% responded “Constant contact with others”
View more information on this job

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

Sample of reported job titles:

Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker, Asbestos Remover, Asbestos Worker, Decontamination and Decommissioning Operator (D and D Operator), Hazmat Technician (Hazardous Materials Technician), Waste Handling Technician

Tasks:

  • Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
  • Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
  • Identify asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
  • Prepare hazardous material for removal or storage.
  • Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
  • Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.
  • Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
  • Record operational or environmental data.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
View more information on this job

Agricultural Inspectors

Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.

Sample of reported job titles:

Brand Inspector, Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI), Food Inspector, Food Safety and Inspection Service Inspector (FSIS Inspector), Food Sanitarian, Grain Inspector, Inspector, Seed and Fertilizer Specialist, Shipping Point Inspector

Tasks:

  • Inspect food products and processing procedures to determine whether products are safe to eat.
  • Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
  • Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met.
  • Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification.
  • Package agricultural products for shipment or further processing.
  • Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.

Work Context:

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 76% responded “Extremely important”
  • Contact With Others – 76% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 69% responded “Every day”
  • Deal With External Customers – 59% responded “Extremely important”
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – 47% responded “Very important results”
View more information on this job

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.

Sample of reported job titles:

Chemical Applicator, Integrated Pest Management Technician (IPM Technician), Lawn Specialist, Lawn Technician, Licensed Pesticide Applicator, Pest Control Technician, Pesticide Applicator, Spray Applicator, Spray Technician, Tree and Shrub Technician

Tasks:

  • Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
  • Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
  • Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
  • Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
  • Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Prepare chemicals for work application.
  • Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances.
  • Inspect landscaping to determine treatment needs.
  • Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
  • Clean equipment or supplies.

Work Context:

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 93% responded “Every day”
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment – 87% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 79% responded “Every day”
  • Frequency of Decision Making – 74% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Contaminants – 77% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Floral Designers

Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.

Sample of reported job titles:

Designer, Floral Artist, Floral Clerk, Floral Department Specialist, Floral Designer, Florist, Wedding Decorator

Tasks:

  • Confer with clients regarding price and type of arrangement desired and the date, time, and place of delivery.
  • Select flora and foliage for arrangements, working with numerous combinations to synthesize and develop new creations.
  • Order and purchase flowers and supplies from wholesalers and growers.
  • Deliver arrangements to customers, or oversee employees responsible for deliveries.
  • Plan arrangement according to client’s requirements, using knowledge of design and properties of materials, or select appropriate standard design pattern.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Confer with clients to determine needs.
  • Select materials or props.
  • Arrange delivery of goods or services.
  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
  • Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
View more information on this job

Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Sample of reported job titles:

Agricultural Research Technician, Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist, Research Technician, Seed Analyst

Tasks:

  • Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
  • Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
  • Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
  • Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Record research or operational data.
  • Measure ingredients.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Cultivate land.
  • Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
View more information on this job

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.

Sample of reported job titles:

Agricultural Mechanic, Agricultural Technician, Agriculture Mechanic, Farm Equipment Mechanic, Farm Equipment Service Technician, Field Technician, Mechanic, Service Technician, Tractor Mechanic, Tractor Technician

Tasks:

  • Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
  • Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
  • Record details of repairs made and parts used.
  • Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
  • Clean and lubricate parts.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
  • Repair defective engines or engine components.
  • Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 87% responded “Every day”
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 81% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled – 79% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment – 63% responded “Every day”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 59% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).

The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).

Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.

Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.

Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.