Agriculture & Natural Resources

The Reedley College (RC) AgTEC Innovation Center will house Agriculture Technology startups providing students throughout the region with critical hands on work experience through internships, job-shadows, and part-time employment.

Skills and competencies for students who seek entry-level employment in agriculture with flexibility for a student to design his/her own specialty. Upon completion of this certificate, students will have skills in basic agriculture computer applications, agriculture sales methods and techniques, accounting in agriculture, basic plant science operations and methods, machinery or mechanical skills, and agriculture career awareness

The Associate in Science in Agriculture Business for Transfer Degree prepares students for transfer into a California State University baccalau­reate degree program similar to the agriculture business area of emphasis. The degree provides students with a foundation of knowledge in agribusiness theories and principles through transfer preparatory courses in agriculture economics, computer applications, sales, communications, and accounting

The agricultural education program is designed to equip students for careers as agricultural communication specialists or secondary agriculture teachers.

Completion of the Associate in Science Degree in Agriculture & Technology provides introduction to fundamental practices and principles in Ani­mal Science, Agricultural Business and Plant and Soil Science. Entry level employment in production agriculture and transfer to general agriculture programs are intended outcomes of this program.

Program provides practical hands-on instruction in the areas of basic agricultural mechanics, welding/fabrication, small engine repair and maintenance, and electrical and hydraulics. This degree will benefit students who want to become agricultural mechanics instructors, further their knowledge by transferring to a four-year college or university, or who want to work in the agricultural mechanics field.

Students completing this program will have the basic animal husbandry skills required for entry-level employment in the livestock industry in areas such as livestock herdsman, animal trainer, livestock fitter, brand inspector, or in occupations within the food animal industry.

Program is designed to prepare students for upper division course work and transfer, leading to a baccalaureate degree in enology at a CSU or UC institution. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in the wine industry including wine production, quality assurance and control, vineyard management and grape production.

Upon completion of the Environmental Horticulture Associate in Science Degree, students will have developed skills and competencies in land­scape design and maintenance, plant propagation and production, floral design, pest management, irrigation installation, and water management. The skills and knowledge developed by students through this course of study will successfully prepare them to assume responsibility for leader­ship and management positions in horticultural business organizations and/or governmental agencies.

This program will result in the development of the basic skills and competencies required for students seeking entry-level employment in the food animal industry. Upon completion of this program of study, students will achieve certification in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and be able to perform food industry audits.

Forestry offers students a unique opportunity to become a qualified Forestry Technician. This is the only California, 2-year college with a Forestry and Natural Resources Program leading to an Associate of Science in Forestry degree provisionally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Graduates are typically recruited as utility foresters and timber management technicians for federal, state and private natural resources companies and agencies.

Classes include academic and extensive hands-on training within a 700-acre RC forest and a 1.5-mile riparian zone on campus along the Kings River.

The fast-growing heavy equipment industry offers excellent career opportunities for qualified entry-level technicians. The Equipment Service Technician Program at Reedley College is designed to meet industry-specific requirements. The program proudly places 90% of graduates.

Students successfully completing the outlined course of study will be prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level technician specializing in the service and repair of diesel engines, heavy-duty brake systems, as well as suspension and steering for On-Highway Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks.

This Reedley College Natural Resources Degree offers students an opportunity to become a technician in a wide variety of outdoor jobs related to wildlife, recreation, and environmental services.

Classes include academic and extensive hands-on training within a 700-acre RC forest and a 1.5-mile riparian zone on campus along the Kings River.

Students completing this program will be well-informed of physical, chemical, and biological principles and processes of plants and soils. Mastering these principles allow the selection of effective programs of plant development, irrigation, fertility, pest management, and soil management. Completion of the program prepares students for careers in management of tree, vine, vegetable, and field crops.

Students will learn how to apply and initiate wildland firefighting fundamentals, risk management, wildland fire behavior, human factors effecting human performance, chainsaw operations, hand tool use, prescribed fire and fuels reduction operations and federal physical readiness standards. Training will require arduous working conditions similar to those performed as a wildland firefighter.