Occupation AtlasAgricultural Engineers
O*NET · 17-2021.00
Agricultural Engineers
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.
Also called Agricultural Engineer · Agricultural Equipment Design Engineer · Agricultural Equipment Test Engineer · Agricultural Production Engineer · Agricultural Research Engineer · Agricultural Systems Specialist · Agriculture Consultant · Agriculture Engineer
17 more
Agriculture Scientist · Conservation Engineer · Engineer · Farm Equipment Engineer · Field Engineer · Field Research Associate · Landscape Irrigation Specialist · Permaculture Designer · Product Engineer · Product Technology Scientist · Project Engineer · Regional Engineer · Research Agricultural Engineer · Research Engineer · SQE · Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) · Test Engineer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Water/Wastewater Engineers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic6.65
- I Investigative6.29
- C Conventional3.77
- E Enterprising2.31
- A Artistic2.19
- S Social1.73
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- SciencebasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Operations MonitoringImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Technology DesignImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- ProgrammingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- RepairingImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.Importance 4.1
- Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.Importance 3.9
- Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.Importance 3.8
- Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.Importance 3.7
- Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.Importance 3.6
- Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.Importance 3.6
- Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.Importance 3.6
- Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.Importance 3.6
- Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.Importance 3.5
- Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.Importance 3.5
- Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.Importance 3.4
- Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.Importance 3.3
Show the other 2
- Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.Importance 3.6
- Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations.Importance 3.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 4.9Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Create a program to scan a computer for viruses
- DesignImportance 4.4Level 5.8
- MathematicsImportance 4.3Level 5.9
- PhysicsImportance 4.3Level 5.8
- BiologyImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- MechanicalImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
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- ChemistryImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Food ProductionImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Building and ConstructionImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- GeographyImportance 3.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- AdministrativeImportance 2.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- TransportationImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
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- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.3
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.8
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- VisualizationImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Number FacilityImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Rate ControlImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Night VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- StaminaImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.7Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.8
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.3Level 5.6
Show all 41
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.3Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
22 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (16)
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
- SAP software
- SAS
Other tools (6)
- Eagle Point LANDCADD
- ESRI ArcView
- PTC Creo Parametric
- PTC Pro/Pipe
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Maintenance −0.9, Repairing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Nanosystems Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning +0.6, Equipment Selection +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis −1.0, Systems Evaluation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Materials Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.9, Management of Material Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Microsystems Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +0.6, Quality Control Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Automotive Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Maintenance −0.9, Repairing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Electrical Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.2, Troubleshooting +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.9, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.