Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural engineers – sometimes known as land-based engineers - apply their combined knowledge of engineering technology and biological sciences to find solutions to agricultural problems that are concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, and soil and water conservation as well as the processing of agricultural products.
Job Responsibilities
- designing, improving and testing agricultural equipment, such as tractors, ploughs, harvesters etc
- researching and providing advice about soil, water and environmental conservation
- designing and supervising the construction of facilities like animal pens, greenhouses, storage buildings etc
- designing and planning irrigation and drainage systems
- providing technical support and consultancy services to clients
Other responsibilities include attending to issues such as sustainable agricultural production and the environmental impact of intensive agriculture as well as post-harvest handling of agricultural products.
Agricultural engineers may find themselves trudging in a forest one day, doing paperwork in the laboratory the next day, and on a farm or research station the day after. It’s an interesting field for those who enjoy moving around outdoors.
Typical Employers
- manufacturing companies that produce machinery, vehicles and equipment for the farming industry
- agricultural/horticultural machinery dealers
- higher education institutions
- government agricultural agencies
- factory farms
Qualifications
A degree in engineering, bioscience, or a similar related fields as well as a good understanding of the environment.
Key Skills
- strong problem solving skills
- excellent personal initiative
- good communication skills
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