Agricultural engineer

Agricultural engineers use engineering science to solve problems in the agricultural industry. They design, develop, test and manage agricultural machinery and equipment. Most agricultural engineers specialise in a particular area.

Also known as:

• Farming engineer
• Land based engineer

Work activities

Agricultural engineers design, develop, install and manage machinery, buildings, vehicles and systems used in the agricultural industry. They also work in horticulture, forestry, ground-care (e.g. for professional sporting venues such as golf courses) and environmental engineering – in fact, anywhere where engineering meets the land. After their initial training, most agricultural engineers specialise in either vehicle and machine manufacture, sales and service engineering, farm organisation or field engineering. Agricultural engineers in manufacturing design, plan and test new specifications for machinery and equipment, helping farmers to:

• Cultivate, drain and irrigate soil.
• Sow, spray and harvest crops.
• Grade, store and process produce.
• House, feed and water livestock.

Most manufacturing companies are small, so the agricultural engineer is usually responsible for more than one function. In a large manufacturing company, they are more likely to have a specialist area and work as part of a team with mechanical and production engineers, materials scientists and costing experts. Agricultural engineers may work for local machinery dealers. They supply farmers, local authorities and other customers with suitable machinery, as well as offer advice, information and an aftersales service. They may also provide advice and information to growers and manufacturers of machinery and equipment. Agricultural engineers might also be involved in farm organisation. This could involve designing the layout of buildings such as crop dryers and greenhouses, to make sure farming and horticultural processes are carried out with the greatest efficiency.

Agricultural engineers also select and install computer-controlled systems that regulate temperature, humidity and feeding rates. They are increasingly involved with the conservation of the rural environment, for example, through waste management. Field engineers are responsible for the management of rural land and for planning the most efficient use of soil and water resources. Agricultural engineers design and install systems that irrigate dry land, drain marsh land and limit the damage caused by soil erosion. In developing countries, there is a great need for agricultural engineers who can introduce methods to reduce crop failure and increase crop yield, while being aware of conservation and sustainable development issues.

Some agricultural engineers are involved in research, development and teaching. They work for specialist research institutes, colleges and universities, and equipment manufacturers. Research engineers solve agricultural problems in areas such as environmental protection, food safety and pollution control. They might prepare and present reports of their findings. Agricultural engineers often have management responsibility for teams including other engineers, engineering technicians and mechanics. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, depending on which specialism the engineer works in.

Personal qualities and skills

As an agricultural engineer, you need:

• A broad-based knowledge of engineering, e.g. mechanical, electronic, civil and environmental engineering.
• An understanding of the problems that exist in agriculture.
• To solve problems combining technical ability with creativity and imagination.
• To be good at generating new ideas.
• To work well in a team.
• An interest and understanding of environmental issues.
• Good analytical skills.
• A willingness to learn and develop new knowledge and to keep up to date with advancing technology.
• Good organisational skills to plan and co-ordinate resources, as well as work to deadlines.
• To communicate effectively when explaining technical information to people from non-engineering backgrounds.

The following skills shortages have been identified:

• Business and management.
• Communication.
• Customer service.
• Literacy and numeracy.
• Technical.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for agricultural engineers vary depending on employer, role and responsibilities.  The pay rates given are approximate. Agricultural engineers earn in the range of £25,000 - £45,000 a year.

Most agricultural engineers work around 39-41 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

There is a wide range of employers, including those that make agricultural machinery and equipment. Opportunities for agricultural engineers occur with employers in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training

Agricultural engineers usually complete a relevant degree, foundation degree or HND. Specialist degrees and foundation degrees in agricultural engineering are available at a range of colleges and universities, including at Master’s level. It’s also possible to become an agricultural engineer with another engineering background, especially in mechanical engineering. The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) provides information on relevant courses.

You could do a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of land-based service engineering technician. This could be a good way into this career path, with training taking place mainly on the job, while studying towards a relevant qualification. You would need to undertake further training to qualify as an engineer.

Depending on their qualification, engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.

Qualifications

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship in this industry, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

To enter a degree course in agricultural engineering, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects.

Alternatives to A levels include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges. Specialist degrees and foundation degrees in agricultural engineering are available at a range of colleges and universities, including at postgraduate level.

Financial support for land-based service engineering may be available from the Douglas Bomford Trust.

Related careers

• Agricultural consultant
• Engineer
• Mechanical engineer