Agroecology Technician Certificate


Through the USDA NIFA Agricultural Workforce Training Grant, MCC is designing and implementing an Agroecology Technician Certificate. This certificate program will prepare participants for entry-level, skilled fieldwork to support professionals in resource and wildlife management and environmental evaluation.

The first certificate class will be offered Fall 2025 at Highlander Ranch, and will consist of 210 learning hours in a hybrid format. Approximately 70% of content will be delivered online with 30% of content occurring face to face on select Fridays at Highlander Ranch. 

Upon completion of the entire training program, learners will be able to:

  • Assist environmental engineers, biologists, farmers, and ranchers with management, consulting, and/or research activities,
  • Perform data analysis,
  • Observe, track, and record ecological conditions and their impacts on habitat suitability,
  • Use specialized equipment methodology for specimen collection and analysis,
  • Maintain and calibrate equipment,
  • Perform population analysis,
  • Communicate in a clear, logical manner,
  • Collaborate with others in a team, and
  • Obtain the Duck's Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certificate, a TEA recognized credential.

The certificate will be divided into eight training modules, including: Identifying and Analyzing Problems, Transferring Knowledge, Ecology, Soil & Plants, Water, Agroeconomics, Regenerative and Sustainable Agriculture, Rangeland & Land Management. 

For more information regarding the certificate or scholarship options, please reach out to Dr. Christi Esquivel or Dr. Shannon Hill. 

two women measuring dbh of a tree

The development of this certificate is funded by the USDA NIFA Agricultural Workforce Training Grant through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). USDA-NIFA-AFRI-009842; Funding Program Code (A7601). Project title: “Sustainable Agriculture for the Future: Developing Agri-Environmental Technicians”