Jobs and careers in agricultural engineering are for people interested in technology and farming tools and who love to spend time outdoors. This field is responsible for implementing innovative ways that farms can be efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Agriculture engineering can be a stable career that pays a good salary if you have the right qualifications.
This article will discuss the basics of agricultural engineering, the required skills and how you can become one.
What is Agricultural Engineering?
Aside from repairing farm machinery, agricultural engineering is the art of developing, designing and improving farm equipment, machinery and technology in order to increase the efficiency of a farm. Their main goal is to make farms sustainable and eco-friendly. Their engineering knowledge and skills allow them to solve problems such as pollution control, natural resource management, sustainable agricultural production and the environmental effects of intensive farming. They also help with how farms manage agricultural products after harvests.
They may design and construct various agricultural infrastructures, such as storage facilities, water reservoirs, and dams, even if their primary focus is on agricultural land and machinery. Agriculture and cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, are combined in the multifaceted field of agricultural engineering. It integrates aspects of agricultural concepts with civil, mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering.
Responsibilities and Duties of Agricultural Engineers
These are some of the daily responsibilities and duties of agricultural engineers;
● Maintain, repair and develop agricultural structures, equipment, and machinery to complete farming jobs such as harvesting, seeding, and spraying.
● Develop agricultural equipment and machinery while creating drawings that outline the necessary components, manufacturing processes and building techniques.
● Conduct research at farms and labs to develop ideas for safe, environmentally-friendly and efficient food production.
● Keep up-to-date with industry news regarding technological advances.
● Design and plan irrigation, drainage, water, and flood control systems.
● Perform inspections and tests of their equipment designs to ensure they conform with all applicable safety regulations and standards.
● Supervise the entire process of creating agricultural products, from production through to delivery.
● Deliver technical reports and regularly inform stakeholders on farming practices.
● Discuss agricultural engineering issues with your employers, coworkers and/or clients.
● Discuss specific projects with other engineering professionals.
● Construct and supervise agricultural infrastructures such as warehouses, farms or dams.
● Do environmental impact assessments.
● Develop strategies to conserve soils.
● Prepare and deliver research reports.
What are the Skills Required to Become a Successful Agricultural Engineer?
To succeed in agriculture, agricultural engineers must have both hard and soft skills.
Communication skills: Agricultural engineers need to be able to communicate effectively with many people.
Engineering skills: Various engineering skills are used by agricultural engineers to accomplish tasks such as improving machinery, planning for new technology and designing agricultural systems.
Design skills: Agriculturists require advanced design skills because their job may be to design agricultural equipment, systems and infrastructure.
Mechanical/Electrical skills: To be able to repair machinery and solve issues with equipment and machinery.
Collaboration skills: This role requires you to be able to work with other tradespeople and professionals for the job to succeed.
Computer skills: Because agricultural engineers spend a lot of time outdoors, they need to be able to input data, create reports on research findings and create their designs with certain software. As well as use software to solve diagnostic problems.
Problem-solving skills: They are important for agricultural engineers because they must be able to solve problems related to the environment of farms.
Math skills: Being an agricultural engineer requires advanced math skills. They use math daily to create machinery and infrastructure and improve their equipment.
Analytical skills: These skills are essential for agricultural engineers. This includes the ability to pay attention to details and the ability to analyse information critically.
How to Become an Engineer in Agriculture
Highly skilled agricultural engineers can comprehend and apply complex scientific principles. Before becoming professionals, all potential agricultural engineers must first complete the following steps:
Gain an Undergraduate Degree
An undergraduate degree in engineering is required to be able to work as an agricultural engineer. Many universities offer a variety of engineering degrees, including mechanical, electrical, as well as general agricultural engineering. Potential agricultural engineers may also choose to specialise in agricultural engineering. There are two options. First, they can pursue a specific degree in agricultural engineering. The second option is to obtain a general engineering degree, then take additional courses related to agricultural engineering.
Many universities offer cooperative education programs that allow students to choose between working and studying in the field. These practical experiences are often necessary for undergraduate students to acquire the skills needed for the job. These skills may be important for employers when they hire. Candidates should ensure that they are able to learn practical skills by applying to universities through a degree program.
Study for a Postgraduate Degree
A postgraduate degree in agricultural engineering is an academic degree awarded to students who have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the agricultural field. Most of the U.K's agricultural engineering postgraduate programs are research-based and lead to a Ph.D. For those not interested in a Ph.D., there are a variety of master's programs that take between 1-2 years to complete.
Get Licensed
Before they can start working, agricultural engineers need to hold a few licences, dependant on their specific area of expertise. The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), permits them to operate machinery and perform construction work. Other licences include the Health and Safety Executive's Approved Code of Procedure(ACoP), which allows them to work with livestock, and theNational Farmers Union's Certificate of Competence (NFU) in Agricultural Engineering. This permits agricultural engineers to work with different animals.
Apply for Jobs
For certified graduates, the next step is to find work. Use the contacts you have made at university or through professional organisations to network. You can also use anonline job search tool to locate suitable job openings. Prepare a cover letter or resume while you wait. Highlight key skills, academic accomplishments, qualifications and relevant experience.
Conclusion
Contact us today if you want toapply for orrecruitagricultural engineers
We areAgricultural Recruitment Specialistswho provide employment options to farmers, primary producers and agribusinesses around the world. We offer a complete support recruitment service, as well as HR guidance tailored to your business and priceless advice on creating effective Ag teams. To speak to someone who can help, please call 0044 1905 345 155.
