Agricultural engineers build, service and repair agricultural, horticultural and forestry machinery and equipment.
Day-to-day tasks
- assess the environmental impact of agricultural production methods
- supervise building projects, like land drainage, reclamation and irrigation
- solve engineering problems, like designing vehicles for all ground and weather conditions
- test and install new equipment, like harvesters or crop sprayers
- use GPS, weather data and computer modelling to give advice on land use
- plan service and repair programmes for machinery
Working environment
You could work in an office, on a farm or in a laboratory.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Working hours
39 to 41 hours per week
Skills you\'ll need
- complex problem-solving skills
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- concentration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- persistence and determination
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become one
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
College
A level 2 or level 3 Diploma in Land-based Technology or Agricultural Engineering may get you started in this role.
You could also do a T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
You may be able to start by doing a land-based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.
This usually takes about 36 months to complete as a mix of on the job learning and study.
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- You could work as an agricultural engineering technician and train on the job to qualify as an engineer.
Career path and progression
- With experience you could move into project management or specialist technical research and development.
- You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status by applying to the Engineering Council. As a chartered engineer you\'ll plan, research and develop new ideas. The Institution of Agricultural Engineers has more information.
- You could also move into technical sales, business development, teaching or consultancy work.
More information
You can find out more about this career from reputable industry resources and official career guidance.
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