Agricultural engineer
Help farmers tackle their environmental problems with specialist equipment, land improvement projects and new agricultural techniques.
Also known as: land-based engineer, agricultural adviser
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£700
Average
Monthly
£3,033
Average
Yearly
£36,400
Average
16,700
people are currently employed
Low growth
600 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
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.
You would:
Assess the environmental impact of intensive agricultural production methods
Supervise land drainage, reclamation and irrigation construction projects
Solve agricultural engineering problems
Test and install new equipment, such as harvesters, crop sprayers, storage facilities and logging machinery
Analyse weather and GPS data, then use computer modelling to advise farmers and businesses how to improve their land use
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 would need to keep up to date with new developments in technology and production methods.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
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Food and drink Agriculture, forestry and fishing
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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Applications of Mathematics
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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