How do my career interests link with this field?
Agriculture and environmental sciences may be a good fit if you are interested in animals, plants, food systems, sustainability, conservation, the environment, life sciences, working outdoors, working with your hands, or helping communities use natural resources responsibly.
This field is broad. It includes careers that focus on farming, animal health, food production, environmental protection, biodiversity, climate-related challenges, consumer behaviour, geography, conservation, horticulture and sustainable development. Some careers in this field are practical and field-based. Others involve research, planning, laboratory work, community engagement, policy, education, consulting, data analysis or management.
Agriculture and environmental sciences
(Main motivation: Environmental care and working outdoors)
You may enjoy this field if you are interested in:
- caring for animals, plants or the environment
- agriculture, food production or food security
- sustainability and climate-related challenges
- conservation and biodiversity
- working outdoors or in practical environments
- working with your hands
- life sciences and natural systems
- helping communities manage resources
- environmental education or awareness
- research, data collection or fieldwork
- geography, mapping or spatial information
- sustainable business, farming or environmental management
- solving real-world environmental or agricultural problems
Career fields, possible job titles and work environments
The agriculture and environmental sciences offer a range of career possibilities. Some careers require further study, practical training, professional registration, workplace experience or postgraduate specialisation.
Careers marked with an * are listed on the National List of Occupations in High Demand: 2024.
This information is a starting point for exploring options related to specific career fields. Be sure to expand your research by downloading our Career Research document and exploring additional resources.
Agriculture and animal health
Agricultural Science Studies immerse students in the complex and dynamic systems of food production, encompassing the scientific cultivation of crops, the genetic improvement of livestock, and the strategic distribution of agricultural commodities within global markets. This discipline extends beyond primary production to encompass the responsible stewardship of natural resources, requiring a sophisticated understanding of genetics, soil science, forest ecology, wildlife conservation, and the technological innovations that underpin post-harvest processing and food supply chain logistics.
The field of Animal Health operates as a para-veterinary discipline of considerable public significance, positioning graduates as essential intermediaries between rural communities, livestock producers, and veterinary professionals. Students engage with the epidemiology of animal diseases, the implementation of control measures, and the broader implications for public health, thereby assuming a critical role in safeguarding both animal welfare and human populations. Concurrently, Animal and Plant Sciences constitute the foundational pillars upon which agricultural research, biotechnology, and production advancements are built, providing the empirical and experimental basis for sectoral innovation.
Agribusiness Management equips students with the analytical frameworks and strategic tools necessary to navigate the complexities of global food systems. This component of the curriculum develops proficiency in data-driven decision-making, market analysis, policy formulation, and financial risk assessment, empowering graduates to exert influence across the entire agricultural value chain. Whether in research laboratories, extensive production landscapes, or corporate and policy-making environments, this field prepares students for intellectually demanding and socially impactful careers that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, while offering pathways to professional distinction and meaningful contribution.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Agribusiness specialist
- Agriculture advisor
- Agricultural economist
- Agricultural geneticist
- Agricultural laboratory technician
- Agriculture consultant *
- Agriculture development officer
- Agriculture extension officer
- Agriculture learning officer
- Agriculture marketing specialist
- Agricultural produce inspector
- Agricultural research technician
- Agricultural scientist *
- Animal welfare assistant
- Agricultural technician
- Animal breeder
- Animal health technician
- Animal scientist
- Animal welfare assistant (with Higher Certificate)
- Biotechnologist (plant science)
- Crop geneticist
- Development officer
- Extension officer
- Farm manager *
- Farming scientist
- Feedlot manager
- Field production officer
- Food safety consultant
- Laboratory manager
- Laboratory technician
- Meat inspector
- Molecular geneticist (plant sciences)
- Pasture scientist
- Pharmaceutical representative
- Plant breeder
- Plant geneticist
- Plant scientist
- Research and development technician
- Research and development manager *
- Stock farm manager
- Veterinary welfare assistant
Possible work environments related to agriculture and animal health
- Agribusiness organisations
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Agricultural research facilities
- Animal health and welfare organisations
- Animal sanctuaries
- Consulting firms
- Community-based organisations
- Food processing and production organisations
- Government (local, national or provincial)
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Research councils (eg South African Agricultural Research Council)
- Rural development organisations
- SABS
Self-employment or farming enterprises
- Veterinary practices (as a veterinary assistant)
Find out more about careers in this field
Consumer sciences
Consumer Sciences focuses on the study of consumer behaviour and the applied sciences in the disciplines of food, nutrition, hospitality management and clothing and textiles. This field integrates knowledge of how consumers make decisions, their needs and preferences, and the factors influencing their purchasing habits. This career field offers entrepreneurial and/or employment opportunities in organisations in the public or private sectors.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Brand manager
- Clothing/fashion buyer and merchandiser
- Consumer educator
- Consumer journalist
- Consumer advisor
- Educator (with further educational qualifications)
- Entrepreneur
- Events manager *
- Events planner
- Fashion consultant
- Fashion designer *
- Fashion educator
- Fashion marketing manager
- Hospitality manager
- Lecturer (university) *
- Merchandising manager
- Researcher
- Research assistant
Possible work environments related to consumer sciences
- Clothing and clothing construction companies
- Community-based organisations
- Food, nutrition and catering companies
- Food processing factories
- Hospitality organisations
- Research organisations
- Research organisations related to consumer behaviour and the promotion of products
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Self-employment or small business
- Training institutions
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Environmental management
Several career opportunities have arisen as a result of sustainability concerns: managing our natural resources for future generations. The environment offers many exciting, interesting and satisfying career choices across a wide range of fields and disciplines. A career in the environmental field is rewarding because you can contribute to the maintenance and conservation of essential life systems necessary for our survival. There are two main routes you can follow:
- the social environmental perspective or
- the environmental science perspective.
These two perspectives complement one another, and effective environmental management combines both.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Corporate sustainability practitioner
- Environmental assessment practitioner
- Environmental campaign coordinator
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental impact and restoration analyst *
- Environmental educator
- Environmental manager *
- Environmental researcher
- Environmental planner
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG) support officer
- Environmental scientist *
- Environmental technologist
- Environmental liaison officer
- Sustainability officer
Possible work environments related to environmental management
- Community-based organisations
- Conservation organisations
- Corporate sustainability departments in organisations
- Environmental consulting firms
- Environmental impact assessment and research organisations
- Government (local, national or provincial)
- International development organisations
- Non-profit organisations
- Publishers
- Research organisations
- Tourism organisations
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Geography
Geography deals with the world around us. Studying geography will help you understand why places are the way they are and what role humans, places, phenomena and processes play in continually shaping the world we live in. Of particular importance is our focus on the interaction between people and their environment to make sense of our world. Geography may be taken as a major in the general BSc or BA programmes as well as the Environmental Management Programme.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Cartographer
- Community liaison officer
- Disaster risk management analyst
- Environmental officer
- Environmental scientist *
- Geographer within a variety of social and/or natural sciences fields
- Geospatial analyst
- Geopolitical analyst
- Geomorphologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental officer
- Environmental manager *
- Planning and development surveyor
- Transport planner
- Geographic Information Systems analyst
- Geographic Information Systems technician *
- Hydrologist *
- Urban planner
- Tourism officer
Possible work environments related to geography
- Development organisations
- Environmental consulting firms
- Communication and mapping organisations
- Government departments, provincial administrations and municipalities
- Non-profit organisations
- Private industries such as travel agencies, manufacturing firms, property development corporations and communication firms
- Private rural and urban planning firms
- Property development companies
- Research institutions such as the CSIR
- Tourism organisations
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Life sciences
Life sciences focus on the biological sciences and include fields such as botany, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and zoology. Specialists in these fields can be found in a variety of working environments, including hospitals, food manufacturing, the pharmaceutical industry, diagnostic and research laboratories (government and independent), research institutes, and forensic investigations. Professionals in these fields play a critical role in advancing our understanding of living organisms, developing new medical treatments, improving agricultural practices, and solving complex biological problems. Their work contributes to health, environmental sustainability, and scientific innovation.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Biochemist *
- Biodiversity researcher
- Biotechnologist *
- Botanist
- Ecologist
- Food and beverage scientist *
- Forensic analyst
- Forensic technician (biology, toxicology) *
- General biologist *
- Geneticist
- Laboratory technician
- Microbiologist
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Physiologist
- Quality analyst
- Quality systems manager *
- Researcher
- Research assistant
- Research and development manager *
- Science communicator
- Zoologist *
Possible work environments related to life sciences
- Agricultural companies
- Biotechnology companies
- Breweries
- Chemical manufacturers
- Food and beverage companies
- Forensic or law enforcement laboratories
- Government departments (eg Trade and Industry, Health, Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Water Affairs and Forestry)
- Health maintenance organisations
- Higher Educations Institutions
- Hospitals and pathology laboratories
- Leather manufacturers
- Museums
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Public organisations (eg National Botanical Institute and the National Parks Board)
- Pulp and paper processing organisations
- Regional government and councils
- Research and development laboratories
- Research organisations (medical, industrial, agricultural, mining)
- SAPS
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Nature conservation
Nature conservationists contribute to the conservation and management of protected and natural areas. The focus of this career field is on all components of the ecosystem and their response to changes in both natural and anthropogenically modified landscapes. In this field, you will develop an understanding of ecology, ecosystems and scientifically based conservation and wildlife management to ensure biodiversity and sustainability.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Biodiversity officer
- Community conservation officer
- Conservation manager or researcher or technician
- Environmental educator
- Field guide
- Game ranger
- Invasive species control officer
- Museum curator (natural resources)
- Nature conservationist
- Natural resource conservationist
- Natural resources consultant
- Social ecologist
- Veld manager
- Wildlife manager
- Zookeeper
Possible work environments related to nature conservation
- Community-based conservation projects
- Environmental education centres
- Government departments (eg Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Department of Tourism)
- Municipalities and regional service councils
- National Parks Board
- Non-profit organisations
- Provincial authorities
- Research organisations
- Tourism organisations
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Ornamental horticulture
Ornamental horticulture consists of floriculture and landscape horticulture. The turf industry is also considered a part of ornamental horticulture. Ornamental horticulture focuses on how to breed and grow plants, while landscape horticulture focuses on using plants in artistic and pleasing ways. In addition, students learn the basic principles of plant science.
If you love the idea of being an artist and using flowers, trees, shrubs and natural objects on your palette, then this career field may be right for you.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Botanic garden manager or curator
- City council parks and recreation manager
- Garden centre or retail nursery assistant, owner or manager
- Horticulturist
- Horticultural consultant or technician horticulturist
- Landscape design, installation or maintenance specialist
- Retail nursery assistant, owner or manager
- Plant propagator
- Plant breeder
Possible work environments related to ornamental horticulture
- Agricultural companies
- Agricultural holdings
- Forestry and fisheries
- Fruit, vegetable and flower farms
- Government departments (eg Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Land Affairs, Department of Public Works)
- Local government
- Manufacturers of pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers
- National Parks Board
- Nurseries and garden centres
- Pharmaceutical companies, private clinics and practices
- Research institutes
- Research institutions
- Seed production companies
- Sports clubs and public or private recreational facilities
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Further career information
