Agricultural engineers may plan the construction of systems that manage energy, soil, and water resources. These include rural electrical power, irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems. They manage food production and processing systems. Agricultural Engineers is in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Good ability to use words when talking or writing Good ability to listen to a description and mentally visualize what is being described, such as a plant Good ability to work with numbers Ability to coordinate the movement of eyes and hands, such as while planting seeds Ability to solve problems and make decisions Ability to move hands and fingers easily, such as while examining plants Ability to check written materials, such as reports, for errors Ability to see slight differences between plants Desire to be a leader and influence people Willingness to supervise others and be in charge of planning projects Agricultural engineers should be able to work alone and as part of a team.
Agricultural engineers work both indoors in offices and labs and outdoors in the field.
They are occasionally exposed to the weather. Wages vary according to training and experience. Entry level wages may be lower. Pay varies with area of the country and the engineers level of education and experience. Full-time agricultural engineers generally receive benefits.