Agricultural Engineer

Ag Engineer

Working with farmers, agri-businesses, and conservation organizations, agricultural engineers develop solutions to problems relating to both the use and conservation of soil, water, and forest resources. Agricultural engineers also develop technologies to improve crop and livestock production, improve food processing techniques, or extend the storage-life of perishable products like produce or flowers.

Examples

Design and build irrigation and drainage systems to provide water to crops and cut down on soil erosion.
Establish and supervise conservation or recreation management plans.
Devise new ways of harvesting crops like apples, tomatoes, corn, cut flowers, and fish.
Apply new technologies, like computers to farming operations like processing and distributing animal feed.
Develop specialized greenhouses used to grow exotic plants for florists.

Education

A four-year college degree is required for most agricultural engineering jobs. Some agricultural engineers have degrees in agricultural engineering, but others have degrees in chemical, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Work Environment

While some work in small communities in regions were farming is an important part of the economy, agricultural engineers can work in anywhere, from urban industrial parks to remote wilderness areas. Their hours and work-days vary depending on the type of job they are doing.

Salaries

The starting salary for an agricultural engineer (2009):

$58,636 with a bachelor's degree