Agricultural engineers, also known as land-based engineers, plan, design, develop and install agricultural, horticultural and forestry machinery and equipment. They are also involved in advice work, planning and implementation of land use projects, such as irrigation systems or large-scale greenhouse cultivation.

A wide range of organisations employ agricultural engineers and roles range from technical to business and management. They work for:

• machinery, equipment and agrochemicals manufacturers in the research, design, development, sales and marketing fields
• government departments and partner groups, providing guidance and advisory services in rural development, crop production and diversification
• overseas economic development agencies, drawing on experience and expertise to pass on skills and techniques to indigenous farmers.

As well as longer term projects, engineers may have the opportunity to work in disaster relief, responding to immediate humanitarian crises. 

An engineer's specific duties depend upon their job but may include:

• designing, testing, installing and maintaining new equipment, such as harvesters, crop sprayers, transporters, milking, feeding, crop processing and storage systems, and logging equipment; modifying existing equipment to make it more efficient; and carrying out repairs and scheduled servicing – for more specific details about this role, see the profile for Agricultural Engineering Technician
• researching and investigating problems associated with crop production and mechanised equipment, for example, terramechanics - how agricultural machinery moves over different terrain and under different weather conditions
• managing or coordinating regional, national or international sales, marketing and technical support teams for equipment manufacturers or specialist service and repair companies
• carrying out environmental impact assessments to evaluate the consequences of bringing uncultivated or semi-natural areas under intensive production; and carrying out studies and making recommendations for sustainable land use, for instance soil and water conservation
• supervising agricultural construction projects such as land drainage, reclamation, clearance and irrigation
• offering consultancy services to farmers and businesses to help increase production, for example the use of precision farming concepts and computer modelling (used to identify variations in crop yields within an area, and simulate the effects on yields by adjusting variables such as crop position, and amount and type of fertilizer used).

Agricultural engineers also work in colleges and universities, teaching on agricultural courses and carrying out research. Others may be involved with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), working on agricultural projects in developing countries. 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.

Hours and Environment

Agricultural engineers work varied hours, depending on the particular job role. For those involved with research or design, hours are normally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 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.

Engineers may need to travel around the UK and overseas for periods of time. A driving licence is often essential.

Skills and Interests

As an agricultural engineer you will need:

• strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• excellent technical, scientific, mathematical and IT skills
• to be able to prioritise and plan effectively
• to be able to work within budgetary constraints
• to be able to take responsibility and lead a team
• the ability to meet deadlines
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• to keep up to date with new developments in technology, production methods and environmental issues
• a willingness to work flexibly and to travel.

An aptitude for foreign languages will be useful, particularly if working abroad or dealing with overseas clients.

Entry

Entrants usually have a foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree in a relevant discipline, such as:

• agriculture
• agricultural engineering
• environmental engineering
• electrical or mechanical engineering.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Entry to degree courses usually requires five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) with two or three A levels/four H grades or equivalent, including maths and/or engineering science. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

For information about agricultural engineering as a career and training providers, contact the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE). For details about working overseas on development and relief projects, see the website for Engineers for Disaster Relief (RedR). The recruitment section of the Department for International Development (DFID) website also contains links to a large number of organisations involved in development and relief work. All contacts can be found in Further Information.

For more general information about general engineering careers, see the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

Training is normally on the job. Graduate apprenticeship schemes may be available for those holding a first degree.

Across the engineering sector, gaining professional status is a highly recommended way of enhancing career prospects. You can do this by registering with a relevant professional engineering institution and applying for incorporated or chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council. For details, see the websites for the Engineering Council and the IAgrE below.

To qualify as an incorporated agricultural engineer you should:

• have an accredited engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or BTEC HNC/HND plus further learning equivalent to one year of study -this includes work based study
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development including practical training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

To qualify as a chartered agricultural engineer you must:

• have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development which includes formal and informal training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

Engineers seeking incorporated or chartered status are assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence). This replaced SARTOR (Standards And Routes TO Registration) on 1st March 2004. These new standards have been developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council (UK) reinforcing the need to prove professional competence within the job but also taking wider account of recent developments in UK qualifications, such as foundation degrees and work based training, to satisfy the academic requirements of registration.

For more information about UK-SPEC see their website in Further Information.

IAgrE also operates a system of Continuing Professional Development for members, which helps engineers record and plan their professional development. This includes the opportunity for further study, to attend conferences and to write articles and papers. Contact the IAgrE for details.

Experienced engineers whose job role spans environmental or sustainable development projects may be able to apply for Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status. For details contact the Society for the Environment.

Opportunities

Opportunities for engineers exist with a range of organisations, including:

• equipment manufacturers
• dealerships
• government departments
• forestry companies
• overseas development agencies
• 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. The technical skills used at this level will also allow movement into related engineering sectors such as manufacturing, electrical or mechanical engineering. See related profiles in the Engineering and Manufacturing job family.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries will vary widely, depending on responsibilities and the employer. Some overseas relief and development positions may be offered on a voluntary basis.

Salaries start between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
Experienced engineers can earn between £26,000 and £35,000.
Senior engineers with chartered status may earn over £40,000 a year.

Further information

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