Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Agricultural Engineer.

Job Title – Agricultural Engineer

Description

An Agricultural Engineer applies engineering principles as well as knowledge of agricultural practice to solve agricultural problems.

Typical Job Activities

Combines logic and practical thinking with initiative and innovation
Uses mechanical, civil and electronic engineering skills to manage living things and life-giving resources in such a way as to protect and preserve them
Designs equipment and buildings which can process them more effectively and ensure their renewability
Works beyond the farm boundary in areas such as forestry, water resource management, food processing, urban and rural development, machinery design and manufacturing
Job functions include management, development, design, consulting, research, teaching and counselling

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Related Occupations

Biomedical engineer
Electrical engineer
Industrial engineer
Agricultural researcher
Agricultural scientist
Agricultural technician
Agriculturist
Animal scientist
Botanist
Dairy scientist
Farmer
Nature conservationist
Poultry scientist

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption
For a Degree course in Agricultural Science at a University
For a diploma course in Agriculture at a Technikon

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Agricultural Science

Entry to Work Place

Registration:
A person who has obtained a recognised BSc (Eng.) or BEng degree is eligible for registration as Engineer in Training. After gaining at least 3 years of appropriate practical experience as an agricultural engineer, you may register as a Professional Engineer under the auspices of the Engineering Council of South Africa.

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be interested in soil, plants and animals
Have an aptitude for biology
Be able to communicate with people
Be practical
Display scientific interest
Be enthusiastic and responsible
Have perseverance
Have managerial qualities

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Employment Opportunities 

Low

Market Competitiveness

Low

Income Potential

High

Self-Employment Opportunities

High

International Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Department of Agriculture
Commercial organisations such as manufacturers of agricultural remedies and food companies
Industrial companies
Government and private research institutes
Colleges and universities
South African Bureau of Standards
Control boards
Agricultural unions
Co-operatives
Large farming undertakings
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

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Relevant Contact Details

South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers
http://saiae.co.za/

Agricultural Engineering - Agricultural Research Council
www.arc.agric.za/

The Engineering Council of South Africa
https://www.ecsa.co.za/

Career Progress and Path

Further studies in the specific career field
Further studies in related fields
Experience in specific field
Work performance
Do presentations, seminars, publish articles, etc.
General management studies

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
General business management
Executive positions
Consultant
Own business

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

The need is determined by new technology
I can work with technology
I’ll be able to learn new things on an ongoing basis
I can study for a number of years and face intellectual challenges
I am very interested in a specific subject or field
I can apply my special skills
I like to work with nature