Career Overview
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
Also Known As
- Agricultural Engineer
- Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Research Agricultural Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Agricultural Engineer
- Agricultural Equipment Design Engineer
- Agricultural Equipment Test Engineer
- Agricultural Production Engineer
- Agricultural Research Engineer
- Agricultural Systems Specialist
- Agriculture Consultant
- Agriculture Engineer
- Agriculture Scientist
- Conservation Engineer
- Engineer
- Farm Equipment Engineer
- Field Engineer
- Field Research Associate
- Landscape Irrigation Specialist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
- Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
- Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
- Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
- Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
- Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
- Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Communicate results in peer-reviewed research articles or at workshops or conferences.
- Use agricultural drones for crop monitoring, irrigation management, and pest control.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Food Production
- Chemistry
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Evaluation
- Mathematics
- Systems Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
- Visualization
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Plotters
- Total stations
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $43,020 |
| Median | $84,630 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $132,700 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 1,680
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Soil and Plant Scientists
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $71,410
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $46,790
Industrial Ecologists
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $80,060
Conservation Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $67,950
Environmental Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $104,170
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.