Agricultural engineer
Help farmers tackle their environmental problems with specialist equipment, land improvement projects and new agricultural techniques.
Also known as: land-based engineer
About the job
What it's like
You would assess the techniques used by farmers and landowners and explain how they can improve their land.
You'd plan and supervise construction projects to tackle environmental problems.
You'd work with specialist machinery used in farming, forestry and horticulture. For example, you might design the all-terrain vehicles which can move over uneven ground in different weather conditions.
You'd also help farmers, landowners and government departments understand issues such as crop diversity, sustainable land use and adapting to climate change.
Your tasks might include:
assessing the environmental impact of intensive agricultural production methods
supervising land drainage, reclamation and irrigation construction projects
solving agricultural engineering problems
testing and installing new equipment
analysing weather and GPS data
using computer modelling to advise farmers and businesses how to improve their land use
designing and improving machinery, for example making them more energy-efficient
creating irrigation systems that save water, such as drip or precision irrigation
designing systems that help prevent soil erosion, manage runoff and maintain soil health
producing systems that promote green waste management, such as converting animal waste into bioenergy
Depending on the size of the company you work for, you might also manage and coordinate sales, or do marketing and technical support. It would be important to be willing to work flexibly.
You'd need to keep up to date with new developments in technology and production methods.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Environmental Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Rural Skills
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Applications of Mathematics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) and/or degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or a work-based qualification such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Land-based engineering (SVQ Level 2/3).
There are no Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) recognised Agricultural Engineering Degrees in Scotland but other mechanical and engineering degrees are acceptable.
Agricultural, and Rural Skills courses are available at Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8): the minimum entry requirements are CC Highers.
For a degree (SCQF Level 9/10), the minimum entry is BBCC Highers.
Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of the industry such as Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 4).
Once in work or qualified, membership of Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) can be helpful.
You can also register with the Engineering Council as a professional engineer – either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
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