Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

AB 20 - Careers in Agriculture, Environmental Science and Natural Resources

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Unit(s)
1.00
  • Lecture: 17.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 17.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is a study of the agriculture, environmental science and natural resources industries with a focus on career opportunities, self evaluation, and skills necessary for successful job procurement. Topics include job trends, resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, and the types of careers available in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resources.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Identify career opportunities in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resources.
  2. Define career goals and create a plan to achieve these goals.
  3. Prepare an effective resume and cover letter and demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Introduction

1.00

Employment Trends

1.00

Establishing Goals

1.00

Sources of Employment Information

3.00

Placement and Interest Testing

2.00

Personal Inventory

1.00

Personal Career Plan

1.00

Resumes, Cover Letters

3.00

Job Interviews

2.00

Career Options

1.00

Self Evaluation

1.00
Total Hours:17.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Guest Speakers
  3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  4. Lecture

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Quizzes
  2. Portfolios
  3. Papers
  4. Homework
  5. Mid-term and final examinations
  6. Essays and research papers

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read the examples of effective cover letters provided by the instructor. Identify the three primary components of an effective cover letter. Be prepared to discuss in class.
  2. Read the examples of effective resumes provided by the instructor. Identify the five primary sections and their sequence in an effective resume. Be prepared to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Prepare a professional resume. Highlight your employment objective(s), academic qualifications, and work history.
  2. Prepare a professional quality cover letter. Be sure to establish in your letter the purpose of the letter, your key qualifications, and a request for an interview.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Visit the Butte College Career Development Center. Take the "career assessment" activity to identify potential career fields that correspond to your interests. Be prepared to share what you learned in class. Alternative options to complete this assignment will be identified in the instructions.
  2. Use resources in the Butte College Career Center to identify the education requirements, job duties, and pay range for three job categories of interest to you. Alternative options to complete this assignment will be identified in the instructions.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Zero Cost Textbook

Bortot, L. & Employment Support Centre Algonquin College (2021). Be the Boss of Your Career: A Complete Guide for Students & Grads. (OER). https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/bethebossofyourcareer/

Minimum Qualifications

Ag Business And Related Serv.

Agriculture (Masters Required)

Ornamental Horticulture