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Agricultural Engineer  What They Do

Just the Facts


Agricultural Engineers Career Video



Applies knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery; electrification; structures; soil and water conservation; and processing of agricultural products.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Power, Structural and Technical Systems pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Prepares reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
  • Provides advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
  • Designs and supervises environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.
  • Designs agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
  • Discusses plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
  • Designs food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
  • Plans and directs construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
  • Supervises food processing or manufacturing plant operations.
  • Designs structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.
  • Tests agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.

Insider Info

Dig into the details and check out what people in this job have to say about their work.



Related Careers

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Agricultural Equipment Design Engineer -- Designs agricultural machinery and equipment.
  • Agricultural Research Engineer -- Conducts research to develop agricultural machinery and equipment.