Agricultural Engineers

Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience

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.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Examples

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.

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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $51K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $62K
Median Salary: $84K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $106K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $166K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.

Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.

Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.

Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.

Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.

Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.

Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.

Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.

Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.

Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.

Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.

Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.

Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.

Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
SAS
Computer aided design CAD software
PTC Pro/Pipe
Data base user interface and query software
Oracle software
Desktop publishing software
Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Industrial control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
ESRI ArcView
Object or component oriented development software
Oracle Java
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Total stations
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
93%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Design
88%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mathematics
88%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Physics
83%
Importance

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

English Language
78%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics
77%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Food Production
75%
Importance

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Biology
73%
Importance

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Mechanical
73%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Building and Construction
67%
Importance

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
83%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving
80%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making
80%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Reading Comprehension
80%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics
78%
Importance

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Speaking
78%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Systems Analysis
78%
Importance

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Systems Evaluation
78%
Importance

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Writing
78%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Top 10 Abilities
Inductive Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Oral Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
80%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Category Flexibility
78%
Importance

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Written Expression
78%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Information Ordering
75%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Top 10 Work Activities
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
95%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interacting With Computers
91%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information
90%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Analyzing Data or Information
87%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Processing Information
87%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
86%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
85%
Importance

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
84%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
82%
Importance

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Thinking Creatively
81%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Detailed Work Activities

Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.

Prepare proposal documents.

Document technical design details.

Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.

Discuss designs or plans with clients.

Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.

Prepare detailed work plans.

Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.

Design industrial processing systems.

Investigate the environmental impact of projects.

Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.

Design structures or facilities.

Direct construction activities.

Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.

Direct environmental development activities.

Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.

Train personnel on proper operational procedures.

Direct industrial production activities.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Structured versus Unstructured Work

To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

Education
Majors
Major
Agricultural Engineering
Interests
Investigative
96%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Realistic
91%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Enterprising
62%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
43%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Conventional
43%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Social
19%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
92%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Analytical Thinking
90%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Integrity
90%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
88%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Initiative
83%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Cooperation
82%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Innovation
81%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Persistence
81%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Achievement/Effort
80%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility
77%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Work Values
Independence
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Support
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.