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PROGRAMS / COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
AGRICULTURE AND
NATURAL RESOURCES
California and the United States are rapidly reaching a
crisis situation in the management and preservation of
natural resources. The recent crisis with energy in
California bears witness to this fact. The most important
issues concern the critical resources of food, energy,
water, air, wildland and wildlife. It is essential that our
society be taught a greater awareness of the need to
conserve and wisely manage these resources. Careers
and the public and private entities that manage and use
these resources are expanding rapidly as the critical
nature of these issues become more apparent.
Individuals that are trained in agricultural and natural
resource principles and issues are perfectly positioned
to take advantage of these exciting opportunities.
The Agriculture and Natural Resource Department is
intent on providing students with the training and
resources needed to compete in this rapidly expanding
green career field and the skills needed to continue their
studies in this arena. The department has designed its
educational programs on the following premises:
1. A focus on the underlying scientific principles and
math skills that support the disciplines of agriculture and
natural resource management.
2. Application of advanced technologies that include
the management of data with sophisticated computer
software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Imaging
Technology.
3. A focus on “Sustainable Development,” that
balances the need to preserve natural ecological
relationships with the social and economic needs of the
humans that use a particular ecosystem or region.
4. Provide increased “hands-on” learning and field
experiences. The skills needed to be successful in these
areas are best taught through actual experience via
laboratories, investigative field experiences, internships,
field trips and simulated case studies.
The department currently focuses on training students in
fields of Environmental Horticulture, Habitat Restoration,
Landscape Irrigation, Floral Design, Natural Resource
Management, Geographic Information Science, Water
Resource Management, Equine and Animal Science,
and Animal Health.
Field Biologists
Floral Design Technicians and Floral Shop Managers
GIS Analysts
Horticulture, Irrigation and Fertilizer Industry Sales
Representatives
Irrigation Specialists
Landscape Architects and Designers
Landscape Construction/Installation Contractors
Landscape Maintenance Technicians
Natural Resource Research Technicians
Nursery Technicians and Managers
Park and Wildlife Managers
Plant Breeders, Propagators and Growers
Turf Grass Managers
Water, Soils and Biotechnology Lab Technicians
Water Use, Education and Conservation Technicians
Zoo, City, Country Club and Botanic Garden
Horticulturists
Faculty
Full-time
Neville Slade
Degrees and Certificates Awarded
Associate in Science, Horticulture
Animal Science Technician Certificate
Ecological Restoration Technician Certificate
Environmental Field Studies Technician
Equine Science Specialist Certificate
Floral Design Certificate
Geospatial Technician Certificate
Horticulture and Landscape Technician Certificate
Horticulture Specialist Certificate
Landscape Specialist Certificate
Landscape Irrigation Certificate
Mojave Desert Master Gardner Certificate
Natural Resource Management Technician Certificate
ANIMAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
Units Required: 11.0 or 12.0
Group I - All of the following must be completed:
AGNR 55 Animal Management Lab 2.0
AGNR 100 General Animal Science 3.0
AGNR 101 Animal Nutrition 3.0
Group II - One of the following must be completed:
AGNR 50 Equine Health 3.0
BIOL 100 General Biology 4.0
AGNR 102 Equine Science 4.0
AGRICULTURE • NATURAL RESOURCES
Career Opportunities
Agriculture and Conservation Extension Officer
Agricultural and Food Inspectors
Agriculture and Natural Resource Educators
Arborists and Tree Pruning Technicians
Cartographic Technicians
Environmental and Natural Resource Planner
Farm, Ranch Hands and Managers
2012-2013 Victor Valley College Catalog 95