What they do
Agricultural engineers research, provide advice and develop engineering technologies and techniques that are used in agricultural production and in the management of natural resources. They use their engineering skills and knowledge to help evaluate and solve environmental issues such as sustainable agricultural production. They also need to write reports and may need to communicate with and inform a wide variety of people including the general public, people working in the farming industry, government departments and other professionals.
Working conditions
Agricultural engineers usually work regular hours in an office, a laboratory or research station, on a farm or in a forest. They may be required to work irregular hours due to the project they are working on.
Agricultural engineers work for private consulting firms or manufacturers and distributors of agricultural irrigation equipment, corporate farms and government departments such as water supply and agriculture.
Tools and technologies
Agricultural engineers regularly use computers and generally need to be proficient with a wide range of engineering design and construction equipment depending on the area they are working in.
How do I become one?
Education and training
To become an agricultural engineer, you usually need to complete a postgraduate qualification in agricultural engineering.
There are no university courses available in agricultural engineering in Western Australia.
The University of Southern Queensland currently offers the only agricultural engineering postgraduate qualification in Australia. Students may complete an undergraduate degree in engineering with a major in chemical, civil, environmental or mechanical engineering in their home state before applying to the Master of Engineering Science (Agricultural Engineering) at the University of Southern Queensland.
Most universities in Western Australia offer degrees in engineering, with majors in chemical, civil, environmental or mechanical streams.
Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.