Boostt

Agricultural Engineers

17-2021.00

Apply 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.

Sample of reported job titles: Agricultural Engineer, Agricultural Systems Specialist, Conservation Engineer, Engineer, Product Engineer, Product Technology Scientist, Project Engineer, Research Agricultural Engineer

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.
Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.
Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.
Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.
Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations.

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software - SAS 🔥
Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; Eagle Point LANDCADD; PTC Creo Parametric; PTC Pro/Pipe
Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥
Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥
Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Enterprise resource planning ERP software; SAP software 🔥
Geographic information system - ESRI ArcView
Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop 🔥
Industrial control software - Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Internet browser software - Web browser software
Object or component oriented development software - Oracle Java 🔥
Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
Prepare proposal documents.
Document technical design details.
Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
Discuss designs or plans with clients.
Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Design industrial processing systems.
Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
Design structures or facilities.
Direct construction activities.
Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
Direct environmental development activities.
Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Direct industrial production activities.