AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER RIDDHI RAMRAJ / P.4

JOB DESCRIPTION ◦Agricultural engineers work on many things that range from aquaculture to land farming and from raising animals to finding new and improved ways to process food. They also develop biofuels and help to better conservation. Agricultural engineers typically design agricultural machinery equipment and components using computer-aided design technology. They also design many other things such as food- processing plants, structures to store and process crops, various housing and environments that meet animals needs, and design and supervise environmental and land recovery projects They test agricultural machinery to ensure that they function properly and plan and direct the constructions of rural electric power distribution systems. Agricultural engineers help apply technological advancements to farming and other agricultural activities.

REQUIRED TRAINING ◦Classes that should be taken in high school to become an agricultural engineer are mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics). Entry-level jobs require a bachelors degree in this field. It is usually a 4- year program and it includes studies in the area of science, mathematics, and engineering principles.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS ◦Like every other career, agricultural engineering does require many skills. Some important qualities consist of analytical skills, listening skills, math skills, and problem-solving skills. Agricultural engineers must be able to work and interact with other workers, machinery, and equipment, within different environments as well as listening to other information from other professionals who are involved in that project. The use of calculus, trigonometry, and other topics in math are well involved in this career. They also work and face many problems relating to agriculture and they solve these problems by applying general principles of engineering to new circumstances.

TYPICAL WAGES ◦The average wage for an agricultural engineer was $74,000 in May of The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,800 and the top 10 percent earned more than $115,680. Agricultural engineers typically work full time and sometimes they work overtime due to the nature of agricultural projects. The weather also interferes with their work schedules. Many outdoor projects rely on good weather, so on the days of good weather ag engineers might work longer hours to take advantage of that day.

JOB OUTLOOK ◦The employment of ag engineers is estimated grow 5 percent from , which is actually a lot slower than most occupations today. Agricultural engineers are practicing new areas such as high-tech apps to ag products, water resource managements, and alternative energies. More activity relating to the designing of new machinery and equipment is also expected to build more employment opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION ◦National Association of Agriculture Educators ] ◦American Association for Agricultural ◦American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering ◦National Agri-Marketing Association ◦Association of International Agricultural Extension Education ◦National Association County Agricultural Agents ◦And many more…

JOB LISTINGS ◦Agricultural Engineers assist famers with improvements on the farm which are designed to better the agricultural quality. ◦Agricultural and food Science Technicians assist agricultural as well as food scientists by completing tasks such as measuring and inspecting the quality of food and ag products. ◦Farmers, ranchers and other ag managers control establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products. ◦Agricultural mangers supervise the development of crops, livestock, and other products that can be sold. They manage many operations on large farms and nurseries. Common duties might include planning crops, creating budgets, hiring and firing, and supervising all farm maintenance.

RESOURCES ◦ ◦ ation_About_a_Career_in_Agricultural_Management.htmlhttp://study.com/articles/Agricultural_Managers_Job_Description_and_Inform ation_About_a_Career_in_Agricultural_Management.html