Description of the job
Agricultural engineers usually have a specialization in one of these five major fields which include mechanical power, farm structures, water and soil conservation, and electrification as well as food engineering. Engineers working in the farm structures plan barns, farmhouses, animal shelters and facilities for crop storage like granaries and silos. Additionally, they plan ventilation, heating system and sanitation for buildings. Also, the agricultural engineers design the power machines utilized for insect control, land tilling, harvesting and fertilization.
Agricultural engineers caught up in the electrification can design a system of electric power for rural region. Others improve or develop ways to make use of electric power to dry and cure crops and dehydrate crops. Engineers working in water and soil conservation develop drainage, flood control and irrigation systems. The most recent specialty of the agricultural engineers is food processing. In this, the engineers design resourceful food plants as well as new technology to package, distribute and preserve foods.
Educational requirements
The least requirement to be an agricultural engineer is to hold an architectural engineering bachelors degree. Programs with duration of four and five years are offered by the colleges. College level teaching and research positions usually require a doctorate or at least a master's degree.
Engineers, the work of whom affects the public safety and health must acquire a state authorization. Licensing requirements normally include an engineering degree, work experience of several years in this field, as well as a fine score in written test.
Career advancement and job prospects
Researchers may progress to attain the position of head of research division. People working in this industry can even become apex managers of their company. Some also open their personal consulting firms.
The job prospects for the agricultural engineers are quite good. Although the rate of growth in most of the agricultural fields is anticipated to be diminutive, the agricultural engineers are sure to make profits by branching out from their innovative domain and widening into conservation industry, the place where a significant development is the recycle of the waste materials of agriculture. The ever increasing population of the world will also bear out to be a boon for agricultural industry all together due to the increase in demand of the farm products.
Salary and benefits
Salaries are varying according to the experience and education. Agricultural engineers with a bachelors' degree make about $42,987 in a year. The ones with a master's degree can earn $54,000 annually. Those having doctorate degrees earn up to $70,000 or even more. The general benefits include life and health insurance, pension plans and paid holidays and vacations.
Thus, the students who are interested to make a career as an agricultural engineer must contact the placement office of their college for job support. It can prove to be a great career.