Coursework spans subjects like crop production, plant genetics, and soil chemistry, delivered through lectures alongside preparing syllabi, homework, and other course materials. Many of these instructors also supervise undergraduate or graduate research, internships, and lab or field work, and stay current in their field by reading journals, talking with colleagues, and attending professional conferences. The role typically requires a PhD, and depending on the position, combines a teaching load with an ongoing research agenda.
Pros
High upside earning potential, up to $163k, above many other postsecondary teaching fields
Faster than average projected growth (4.1%) as agricultural science programs expand
Work mixes classroom teaching with hands-on lab and field supervision rather than desk-only duties
Cons
Above-average hours, expect more than a standard 40-hour work week
Only about 800 positions nationwide, a narrow and competitive academic niche
Requires a PhD, a long path through graduate school before qualifying to teach
A typical day
An 8am lecture on ruminant nutrition opens the day, followed by office hours where a sophomore needs help interpreting feed-trial data. Late morning belongs to research — checking a graduate student's field-plot results and revising a grant proposal due to the USDA next month. After lunch there's a lab section where students evaluate forage samples, then a committee meeting about updating the curriculum. Evenings sometimes go to extension work: a webinar for actual farmers, because at land-grant universities the classroom extends to the whole state. Publishing, teaching, and service all pull at once.
Tasks at the job
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as crop production, plant genetics, and soil chemistry.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
There's a regular, moderate amount of time pressure, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. The work is highly structured, following set procedures.