Agriculture Food and Wine Careers

We are the leading university in South Australia, ranked in the top 1% of the world. We are top in South Australia across the fields of sciences, agriculture and wine business.

Our agriculture, food and wine degrees lead to jobs in a wide range of diverse and rewarding careers that help shape the health and wellbeing of the wider community.

Explore careers and courses

Pave your way into a career in the agriculture, food and wine industry. Search for career options and the University of Adelaide degrees that will get you there.

A

  • Agricultural consultant Involves research on breeding, nutrition and disease resistance of plants and animals. Agricultural scientists may assist farmers in planning and monitoring agricultural activities.
  • Agronomist Agronomists study agricultural crops and soils, develop new crop hybrids and varieties. They may work in water management and land use. Employers include banks, farm coops, seed suppliers and government agencies.
  • Animal behaviourist Animal behaviouralists look at the causes, functions, development and evolution of animal behaviour. They assess animal behaviour and make recommendations for treatment. Employers include government and private institutions, zoos, conservation groups, museums, universities and research institutions.
  • Animal health officer Employees in this area aim to protect and improve the health of a range of animal species in a wide variety of settings. Employment can be found with governments, councils and zoos.
  • Animal scientist Animal scientists conduct experiments in controlled breeding or in embryo manipulation. They investigate nutritional values of different feeds and environmental conditions necessary to improve productivity and quality. Employers include universities, governments, agricultural bodies and industry.
  • Animal / veterinary technician Veterinary technicians conduct clinical and laboratory procedures such as medical testing, treatment and diagnosis of medical conditions and diseases, administering medication, and providing specialised nursing care. Employers include private clinics, animal hospitals and research facilities.

B

  • Banker Major financial institutions around Australia and overseas require graduates with varied backgrounds—e.g. agriculture, mathematics, economics, physics or computer science—to assist with the analysis of various financial problems.
  • Botanist Botanists study the biology of plants to increase and apply scientific knowledge in areas such as conservation and management of natural resources, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, medicine and biotechnology. They are employed by universities, research organisations and industry.

C

  • Catchment management officer Graduates evaluate land use options, water allocation strategies and trade-off s, and identify river systems at risk of environmental contamination. They are employed by government agencies (e.g. CSIRO), universities, mining companies and community organisations.
  • Conservation officer Graduates are employed to protect/preserve natural resources, usually by planned management, to prevent depletion, destruction and/or extinction. Employment is available in government, universities and the private sector

D

  • Distiller A blend of science and style. Apply the principles of chemistry, yeast physiology, and a vision of your signature style to make detailed choices that inform the distillation process.

E

  • Ecologist Ecologists study the relationship between organisms and their environment. Employment may be in research organisations, universities, mining companies, or specialist environmental agencies/groups.
  • Entomologist Entomologists study insects. They may investigate the causes of insect outbreaks and research control methods through integrated pest management, biological control and chemical means. They are employed by government and the private sector.
  • Environmental biologist Environmental biologists are concerned with solving environmental problems and preserving the natural world for future generations.

F

  • Fisheries researcher Researchers assess and advise on introduced species: causes, effects, prevention and control. They provide advice for the development of marine conservation and harvesting policies, including aquaculture.
  • Food engineer/technologist/scientist Food technologists/engineers/scientists develop and improve food products and set standards for producing, packaging and marketing food. They are employed in food/wine/beverage manufacturing, in research, marketing and distribution, quality assurance, development and production.

G

  • Geneticist A geneticist is a biologist who studies genetics, the science of genes, heredity, and variation of organisms. Using this knowledge, they can then apply this to improvements within the agricultural industries to produce better quality food and wine.
  • Grower liason officer Grower liaison officers service grower needs. They plan and implement quality assurance, crop management and environmental programs. Employers include public and private sectors in agricultural and viticultural industries.

H

  • Health promotion professional Health promotion officers plan and coordinate health promotion programs for community groups; design and develop public information campaigns using radio, television, newspapers, pamphlets, posters and social media; and design school curriculum material.
  • Horticulturalist Horticulturalists apply scientific knowledge to the cultivation and propagation of fruit, vegetables, berries, flowers, trees, shrubs and crops. They may also work in landscape design, parks and gardens, and conservation and preservation of natural resources.

M

  • Market research analyst Companies wishing to improve their market position or looking for the best way to launch a new product often employ the services of a research specialist. Graduates need strong analytical skills to draw conclusions from surveys, focus groups or other data.
  • Microbiologist Microbiologists study the micro-organisms of the world, looking at how they affect humans and animals, but also microorganisms of commercial/economic importance. Employment is found with hospitals, university research laboratories and medical laboratories.

N

  • Natural resource manager Natural resource managers assess techniques for flora and fauna conservation, monitor components of the environment (e.g. soil, water, air) and develop practical solutions in environmental management and rehabilitation. They may work in environment protection agencies, government departments, small and large manufacturers, private consulting practices, national parks or botanic gardens.

P

  • Plant biotechnologist Plant biotechnologists carry out innovative plant related research and development activities aimed at producing superior crop varieties. Employers include government departments, universities and private companies in research and development, advisory and consultancy positions.

Q

  • Quarantine officer Quarantine officers control the entry of agricultural and horticultural produce, plants, animals, various microorganisms and viruses that cross national and international borders. They assist to identify and control biosecurity risks and hazards. Employers include federal, state and local government bodies.

S

  • Soil scientist Soil scientists study soil on the surface of the earth including: soil formation; classification; mapping physical, chemical, biological and fertility properties of soils; and the use and management of soils. Employers include federal, state or local government agencies, universities, fertiliser companies, private research laboratories and insurance companies.

V

  • Veterinarian Vets are accredited to practice animal surgery and medicine. They are skilled in the health, disease states and care of all animals. Employment may be found in veterinary practices, universities, and the biosecurity and aquaculture industries.
  • Vineyard manager Vineyard managers are responsible for the everyday running of a vineyard as a business unit. This involves business (vineyard) planning; hiring, training and supervision of staff; maintenance of machinery; budgeting and finance; monitoring the health of the grapes; and recommending best practices for viticulture. Employers include wineries and vineyards.
  • Viticulturalist Viticulturalists plan, supervise and coordinate the growing of selected grape varieties for the production of wine. They conduct laboratory tests, implement quality control procedures, estimate harvesting time and organise the crushing and pressing of grapes. Employment is in wineries and vineyards, in Australia and overseas.

W

To advance your career in the agriculture, food and wine industry, consider one of these postgraduate qualifications:

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