Agricultural Engineer

Working Schedule

• Agricultural Engineers work full-time jobs, typically with nights, weekends, and holidays off. Overtime may be needed to meet deadlines. Occasional travel and exposure to inclement weather may be necessary. 

Typical Duties

• Work with farmers, seafood farmers, forestry professionals, and food processing teams on various projects
• Meet with employers, clients, contractors, developers, city representatives, and fellow engineers to review projects, goals, timeframes, and costs
• Create proposals, presentations, graphics, budgets, and reports for projects
• Use computer-aided drafting programs to design agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, climate control systems, facilities, sensor devices, layouts, parts, etc.
• Work with artificial intelligence and geospatial systems to improve and automate processes
• Design methods to alter and maximize where sun, rain, and wind affect fields and structures
• Assist with creating more efficient climate control and refrigeration systems, facilities for food and crop processing and storage, animal housing, land reclamation projects, and more
• Provide guidance and oversight for new construction projects (such as electric-power distribution systems, irrigation, or flood control systems), new mechanical systems, or production plant operations
• Offer expert advice regarding water quality issues, pollution management, and resource utilization

Additional Responsibilities

• Quality test machines and equipment for performance and safety
• Conduct site visits and offer consultations 
• Train and mentor team members, as needed
• Maintain good relations with local farmers, agribusiness owners, industry associations, and related organizations or agencies
• Create or present educational materials to farmers or farm co-ops to enhance sustainability 
• Research and develop new technologies and potential capabilities
• Stay up to date on manufacturers’ manuals, federal and state regulations, industry changes, and technological advancements
• Attend professional organization events to share information and learn from others

Soft Skills

• Activities Coordination 
• Analytical 
• Attention to detail
• Business acumen
• Collaboration 
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Decisive
• Deductive and inductive reasoning
• Detail-oriented
• Independent
• Monitoring 
• Objective
• Organized
• Patient
• Perceptive 
• Problem-solving
• Reading comprehension 
• Safety-oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Visualization 

Technical Skills

• Computer-aided design
• Engineering and technology 
• Familiarity with applicable federal and state regulations
• Knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing
• Knowledge of the agricultural sector 
• Mechanical aptitude
• Operations analysis
• Risk assessment principles
• Strong science and math skills

• Governmental agencies
• Educational institutions
• Consulting service and engineering agencies

The work of Agricultural Engineers is vital for helping agribusinesses improve efficiency and become more sustainable. The national economy—and all food consumers—depend greatly on the success of such businesses. 

Surrounding rural communities are also deeply affected by how well local farms and agribusinesses are doing. Meanwhile, local citizens in general often take a keen interest in environmental and food safety issues. Suffice it to say, Agricultural Engineers carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders! 

The agricultural sector is continuously impacted by climate and environmental factors that affect crop production, exacerbate costs, and may result in economic losses. Agricultural Engineers do their best to assist these businesses as they try to adapt to changes. Part of this includes helping them be more “climate-smart” by incorporating sustainable, environmentally-friendly equipment, machines, systems, and processes. 

Agricultural Engineers assist with designing and adopting automation and robotics technologies; leveraging the power of data-gathering sensors and the Internet of Things; creating more climate-resilient infrastructures and better water management strategies; helping build robust food safety protocols; and devising strategies to reduce waste and create circular economies.

Agricultural Engineers may have shown early interest in science, nature, plants and animals, or building and tinkering with things. Many grow up in rural areas and are exposed to farming and gardening at a young age. Others simply love STEM-related activities and want to apply what they learn to improve the world around them!