Engineering Opportunity: Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Engineer Current Vacancies

2006-12-23:

Agricultural engineers, also known as land-based engineers, plan, design, develop and install agricultural, horticultural and forestry machinery and equipment, supervising agricultural construction projects such as land drainage, reclamation, clearance and irrigation.

Agricultural engineers also work in colleges and universities, teaching on agricultural courses and carrying out research.

Engineers working for government departments are involved in research and analysis of agricultural data with a view to formulating policy on farming and agricultural land use.

Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status:

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the day-to-day process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner.

Agricultural engineers work varied hours, depending on the particular job role.

Engineers in the field may work longer and irregular hours. Work settings also vary from laboratory, workshop and office-based duties to working on-site on a farm or construction project.

Opportunities for engineers exist with a range of organisations, including equipment manufacturers, dealerships, government departments, forestry companies, overseas development agencies and teaching institutions.

Promotion prospects are likely to involve general project management positions, specialist technical research and development, business development and teaching.

With experience, engineers may set up as consultants to agricultural companies, government departments and non-governmental agencies involved in agricultural development.

Experienced engineers can earn between 26,000 and 35,000. (Permalink)