Nature

If the outdoors is where you like to be, consider a job that will let you get out from behind the desk! Maybe you're dedicated to improving the environment, or maybe you're an animal lover. Have a green thumb? Many people aren't lucky enough to to spend their days in the sunshine — if this sounds good to you, think about a career working with plants or animals!

VETERINARIAN

In a Nutshell

Looking after animals is a job — and a passion — for veterinarians. Whether it's small or large animals you want to help at your own clinic, or even exotic animals in zoos or aquariums, every day will bring a different challenge. Vets need backup, too, with opportunities for vet technicians and assistants that require less training and education.

Veterinarian - an animal doctor who has to complete a graduate degree.
Veterinary Technician - works directly with animals, performs basic checkups and tests.

Get Ahead

Volunteer at a veterinary clinic or animals shelter.
A four-year college degree in biological sciences is preparation for a veterinary graduate degree.
Experience in a vet clinic and basic training in animal health is pre-requisite to obtaining veterinary technician certification.

Earning Power (2008)

Nationally, the middle half of veterinarians earned $57,710 to $98,450 a year. In Texas, they earned between $19,210 and $30,130.
Nationally, the middle veterinary technologists and technicians earned $22,640 to $34,090 a year. In Texas, they earned between $32,490 and $61,820.

They Did It

James Herriott, Scottish vet whose famous "All Creatures Great and Small" books introduced people around the world to the life of a rural vet in northern England.
Dr. Gary Warner, Elgin, Texas, treats professional bull rider bucking bulls.

ZOOKEEPER

In a Nutshell

If you are want to learn about, care for and tell others about animals from apes to zebras and everything in between, zoo keeping could be the career for you. Animal carers work in all kinds of indoor and outdoor environments, such as animal hospitals, farms and zoos cleaning cages, getting to know animals and caring for them rain or shine. These are a few of the types of animal care jobs out there:

Agriculture Worker - all kinds of animal care, including breeding, game keeping, and rearing animals.
Biological Scientists - wildlife biologists and zoologists at research stations or zoos.
Farmers/Ranchers - raising cattle, sheep.
Stockman
Retail Sales - selling animals in pet stores.
Veterinary Assistants/Technicians - work with animals in a medical setting.

Get Ahead

Volunteer at a vet clinic or zoo.
Earn a two- or four-year degree in biology, animal science.
Understand math (for measuring food).
Hone writing and speaking skills.

Earning Power (2008)

Nationally, the middle half of zoologists and wildlife biologists earned $43,160 to $70,230 a year. In Texas, they earned between $44,410 and $77,920.
Nationally, the middle half of animal caretakers earned $16,190 to $23,830 a year. In Texas, they earned between $15,340 and $21,610.
Nationally, the middle half of animal trainers earned $19,780 to $37,150 a year. In Texas, they earned between $18,340 and $31,410.

They Did It

Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter," conservationist, TV personality, zoo owner
Jack Hanna, zookeeper

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

In a Nutshell

If you like being outside, and ever find yourself thinking you could make a place look better or more useful, you could have a career in landscape architecture. Whether it's backyards, parks, shopping centers, sports fields or golf courses, there's a lot to think about, such as weather, soil, plants and the lay of the land to make ideas spring into life.

Landscape Architect - designs all kinds of outdoor spaces.
Conservation Scientist - manage forests and rangelands.
Forester - direct harvesting, protecting and maintaining forests.
Urban Planner - oversee development in towns and cities.

Get Ahead

Take biology classes to learn about plants, art classes, math classes and English to write and speak clearly.
Earn a four-year degree in landscape architecture, horticulture or related field.
Many landscape architects are self-employed. You need to be self-disciplined and a hard worker.

Earning Power (2008)

Nationally, the middle half of landscape architects earned $44,830 to $75,410 a year. In Texas, they earned between $42,990 and $74,080.

They Did It

Robert von Hagge, Texas golf course architect, Houston National, The Woodlands, Sonterra (San Antonio).
Robert Truskowski, Beverly Hills, Calif., who designed gardens for Mick Jagger and Quincy Jones.
Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York's Central Park and the landscaping around the U.S. Capitol.

FARMER

In a Nutshell

From vegetables and fruits to livestock, dairy, fish and poultry, America's farmers raise food for us and people overseas. Knowledge of when to plant, water, fertilize and harvest is essential. Sales prices change, expenses vary depending on the weather and hours can be long, work hard and sometimes dangerous.

Farmer or Rancher - manage a food, cotton or animal operation.
Agricultural Worker - be involved in day-to-day operations.

Get Ahead

Work on a family farm growing up, or participate in FFA and 4-H if you can't.
Math and science courses are important, but take agronomy, ag. economics, and courses relevant to crops, animals or whatever farming subjects interest you. Associate degrees, welding and mechanic certifications can be helpful.
Start with basic farm work to learn the business.

Earning Power (2008)

Nationally, the middle half of farm, ranch and agricultural managers earned $41,340 to $74,660 a year. In Texas, they earned between $32,490 and $61,820.
Nationally, the middle half of agricultural equipment operators earned $17,450 to $27,150 a year. In Texas, they earned between $14,090 and $20,480.

They Did It

President Jimmy Carter ran his family's peanut farm in Georgia.
Comptroller Susan Combs owns a ranching operation in West Texas.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENTIST

In a Nutshell

Much of the ingredients and foods we eat have been studied by a scientist aiming to make it more nutritious, healthier or pest-resistant.

Food Scientist - can inspect food, research safety, analyze content such as fat, sugar or additives, and develop preservation, storage methods.
Plant Scientists - study ways to improve the growing process, pest removal, improve nutrition.
Animal Scientist - research animal production and health, advise farmers, work as an extension agent.

Get Ahead

Many jobs will require college degrees, especially for advanced and highly technical research.
Take courses in biology, statistics and nutrition; learn computer skills.

Earning Power (2008)

Nationally, the middle half of animal scientists earned $38,470 to $63,500 a year. In Texas, they earned between $36,800 and $54,680.
Nationally, the middle half of agriculture and food science technicians earned $26,970 to $41,830 a year. In Texas, they earned between $23,860 and $34,850.

They Did It

John Kellogg, who invented Corn Flakes breakfast cereal.

Based on material developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.