Agricultural Engineer Job Description: Duties, Education, Training and Certification Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: An agricultural Engineer works by using his/her knowledge in biological science and engineering technologies to solve agricultural problems related to power, electrification, machinery, structure, agricultural products, water and soil.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: To become an agricultural engineer, he/she must possess a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, biotechnology, environmental engineering, food science, soil science, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, bioengineering, organic agriculture, or other related fields. Aside from the 4-year degree, engineers to work in the agriculture industry might also need to complete additional programs in engineering technology. Those who plan to teach agricultural engineering, a master’s degree is required plus relevant experience in the field.
Skills & Abilities: Engineers should have a vast knowledge in the practical application of engineering technologies and science principles, procedures, techniques and equipments. He/she should also be knowledgeable in design techniques and principles; application of biology, physics and mathematics; equipments and techniques used in food production; maintenance of mechanical tools; production processes and quality control; and computer systems (both hardware and software) electronics applications and programming.
These engineers should have a strong grasp of the English language and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. They should be detail-oriented, creative, analytical and inquisitive. He/she should also be able to handle stressful environments, work as part of a team and independently, learn new techniques to aid in agriculture production and be up-to-date with trends.
Duties:
The duties of an agricultural engineer may include (but are not limited to) designing equipment and machinery components, testing agricultural equipments for quality control, designing structures used in animal shelter or crop storage, providing advice with agriculture-related problems like pollution, conducting seminars to farmers, supervising food manufacturing, planning and directing the construction of flood control or electric-power distribution systems and discussing with other engineers, contractors and clients about necessary changes to improve production.
Agricultural engineers are also responsible for preparing reports, drawings, proposals, budgets and specifications for proposed systems and projects. He/she must design devices and other instrumentation to study, measure and record animal or plant life.
Earnings & Job Outlook: The job demand of engineers in this field is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations until 2018. With new high-tech farming methods developed and the need to feed a growing population, the demand for these professionals is expected to increase. In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average yearly earnings as $72,850.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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Word Count: 439 Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2010 Time: 1:20 PM
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