Spotlights

Tiêu đề tương tự

Agricultural Systems Specialist, Conservation Engineer, Engineer, Product Engineer, Product Technology Scientist, Project Engineer, Research Agricultural Engineer

Mô tả công việc

Agriculture is a trillion-dollar business and a huge part of our nation’s economy. It’s also much more complex than most people realize. There are numerous machines, equipment, power supplies, irrigation systems, and facilities to take care of, requiring the skills of an Agricultural Engineer. 

Agricultural Engineers apply engineering principles to improve the sustainability and productivity of processes, equipment, and systems. This includes environmental management, to reduce pollution and harmful effects on ecosystems. They also help integrate automation and robotics into agribusiness operations, study soil fertility and nutrient content, estimate potential crop yields, and optimize food processing methods. 

In short, though they work in a relatively small career field, their insights, knowledge, skills, and services are invaluable to society! 

Các khía cạnh bổ ích của sự nghiệp
  • Improving agribusiness processes to benefit owners, consumers, and the environment
  • Being part of a massive sector that’s vital to the economy and the food supply chain
  • Working in a lucrative, specialized niche with great career opportunities
  • Impacting the financial health and stability of rural communities 
Việc làm năm 2023
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Việc làm dự kiến năm 2033
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Trách nhiệm công việc

Lịch làm việc

  • 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. 

Nhiệm vụ tiêu biểu

  • 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

Trách nhiệm bổ sung

  • 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
  • Tham dự các sự kiện tổ chức chuyên nghiệp để chia sẻ thông tin và học hỏi từ những người khác
Các kỹ năng cần thiết trong công việc

Kỹ năng mềm

  • Điều phối hoạt động 
  • Phân tích 
  • Chú ý đến chi tiết
  • Sự nhạy bén trong kinh doanh
  • Hợp tác 
  • Sáng tạo
  • Tư duy phản biện
  • Dứt khoát
  • Lý luận suy diễn và quy nạp
  • Định hướng chi tiết
  • Độc lập
  • Giám sát 
  • Mục tiêu
  • Tổ chức
  • Kiên nhẫn
  • Perceptive 
  • Giải quyết vấn đề
  • Đọc hiểu 
  • Định hướng an toàn
  • Kỹ năng giao tiếp mạnh mẽ
  • Visualization 

Kỹ năng kỹ thuật

  • Thiết kế hỗ trợ máy tính
  • Kỹ thuật và công nghệ 
  • Familiarity with applicable federal and state regulations
  • Knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing
  • Knowledge of the agricultural sector 
  • Năng khiếu cơ học
  • Phân tích hoạt động
  • Risk assessment principles
  • Strong science and math skills
Các loại hình tổ chức khác nhau
  • Cơ quan chính phủ
  • Cơ sở giáo dục
  • Consulting service and engineering agencies
Kỳ vọng và hy sinh

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! 

Xu hướng hiện tại

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.

Những điều gì mọi người trong sự nghiệp này thích làm khi họ còn trẻ ...

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! 

Giáo dục và đào tạo cần thiết
  • Agricultural Engineers generally need an ABET-accredited bachelor’s in agricultural engineering, agriculture, agricultural operations, biological engineering, or related fields
  • Nhiều sinh viên chọn theo đuổi chương trình cử nhân / thạc sĩ kép có thể tiết kiệm thời gian và tiền bạc
  1. A master’s may not be needed but can make you more competitive and may qualify you for a higher starting salary or position
  2. Common master’s degrees for this field include a Master of Science in Agriculture or a Master of Engineering 
  3. Per O*Net, 69% of workers in this field have a bachelor’s, 12% have a post-baccalaureate certificate, and 12% have a master’s 
  •  A lot of college programs partner with local businesses to offer internships and cooperative experiences to develop practical skills 
  • Students should gain a strong understanding of the agriculture sector and the variables which impact it
  • Common college courses include:
  1. Agricultural Electronics and Control
  2. Agri-Industrial Applications of Electricity
  3. Farm Tractors and Power Units
  4. Food Process Engineering Technology
  5. Geographic Information Systems for Resource Management
  6. IT for Agricultural Systems
  7. Management of Agricultural Systems
  8. Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products
  9. Spatial Technology for Precision Agriculture
  10. Technology for Environmental and Natural Resource Engineering
  11. Water and Soil Management
  • Các chứng nhận tùy chọn bao gồm:  
  1. American Society for Quality’s Certified Reliability Engineer    
  2. American Society of Agronomy’s Certified Crop Advisor and Certified Professional Agronomist
  3. American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers’ Accredited Agricultural Consultant
  4. Irrigation Association’s Certified Irrigation Designer - Landscape    
  • Không cần giấy phép để bắt đầu, nhưng có các tùy chọn cấp phép của tiểu bang để xem xét sau này trong sự nghiệp của một người
  1. Professional Engineering (PE) licensure leads to greater scopes of responsibility 
  2. Pe phải vượt qua hai kỳ thi:

            - Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) - to be certified as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or an Engineer Intern (EI)
            - Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam

Những điều cần tìm kiếm ở một trường đại học
  • Students should seek colleges offering majors in agricultural or biological engineering
  • Look for programs that have internships or other opportunities where you can gain practical experience, especially related to agriculture credit management 
  • Always compare the costs of tuition and other fees. Review your options for scholarships and financial aid
  • See if the program has any partnerships with companies that hire grads! 
  • Lưu ý thống kê tốt nghiệp và giới thiệu việc làm cho cựu sinh viên 
Hoạt động giải trí ở trường trung học và đại học
  • Sign up for HS classes in biology, chemistry, physics, advanced math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus), environmental studies, computer programming, drafting, business, shop, and writing
  • Ask a teacher or counselor about school-related agriculture programs you can participate in
  • Tình nguyện viên cho các hoạt động của trường, nơi bạn có thể học cách làm việc hiệu quả như một nhóm và quản lý các dự án 
  • Look for internships, cooperative experiences, or part-time jobs while in college
  • Write down the names and contact info of people who can serve as job references 
  • Study books, articles, and video tutorials related to different aspects of Agricultural Engineering. Think about any areas you might want to specialize in!
  • Start drafting your resume early and keep adding to it as you go, so you don’t lose track
  • Consider doing ad hoc courses via Coursera or other sites to learn more about agribusiness
  • Request an informational interview with a working Agricultural Engineer
  • Join professional organizations to learn, share, make friends, and grow your network (see our list of Resources > Websites)
Lộ trình điển hình
Agricultural Engineer Roadmap
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  • Communicate regularly with leadership and stakeholders to ensure objectives and timeframes are clearly defined and achievable. Don’t make promises you can’t keep!
  • Use your industry knowledge to anticipate and mitigate issues before they become problems
  • Speak with colleagues working in other agribusinesses to exchange information and tips (when possible. Some information may be proprietary or otherwise restricted)
  • Solve tough challenges for your employer. Add tangible value by boosting efficiency, productivity, and sustainability
  • Have a contingency plan to respond to critical issues quickly and decisively
  • Study trends and advances in applicable technologies, equipment, and processes
  • Participate in professional organizations like the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Keep learning and expanding your knowledge base and skills
  • Collaborate effectively with team members and develop strong relationships with local farmers, agribusiness owners, and other stakeholders in the community
  • Don’t be shy! Speak with your boss about career progression
  • Knock out a specialty certification such as the American Society for Quality’s Certified Reliability Engineer or the American Society of Agronomy’s Certified Crop Advisor and Certified Professional Agronomist
  • Complete a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Agriculture or a Master of Engineering
  • Earn your Professional Engineering license
  • Consider applying to work for a larger organization with more advancement opportunities
Kế hoạch B

Agricultural Engineering is a vital but relatively small field. The current job outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not suggest much growth in the coming years. This means that to find work, you may have to wait for a currently-working Agricultural Engineer to retire!


If you’re curious about related career options, consider the below similar occupations: 

  • Agricultural or Food Scientist    
  • Giám đốc Kiến trúc và Kỹ thuật    
  • Biofuels Production Manager
  • Kỹ sư xây dựng    
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Kỹ sư môi trường    
  • Farmer/Rancher
  • Nhà thủy văn học    
  • Kỹ sư công nghiệp    
  • Kỹ sư cơ khí

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