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| Agricultural Engineer | The duties of agricultural engineers are to solve agricultural problems applying their knowledge of biology and engineering technology. Frequently, they work together with biological, agricultural and food scientists, whose work is to design agricultural machinery and equipment. They may be engaged in such spheres as power systems and machinery design; structures and environment; food and bioprocess engineering. Their duties are to improve the processing of agricultural products and methods to preserve soil and water. The spheres of their work are various sections of an organization, such as research and development, production, sales and management.
Agricultural engineers should be ready to work as part of a team.They should communicate in writing and orally well, because they need to communicate with many non-engineering specialists in various fields. Agricultural engineers should possess such qualities as being analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive. Those, who have bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, receive less salary comparing with those, who have master's degree.
Those, who want to become an agricultural engineer, should obtain a bachelor's degree. Those, who are engaged in such programs, study the agricultural specialty, courses in mathematics and science, a design course obtained in a computer or laboratory class. They study engineering technology, containing hands-on laboratory courses that make students ready for practical design and production work. Although the graduates of these programs have the possibility to get the same jobs as those, who have a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not professional engineers. Graduate training is recommended for having faculty positions, many research and development programs in agricultural engineering. There is possibility to earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and have possibilities for the development in career. Many high-level executives in government and business began their development in careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States should get a license. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PE). They have a degree from an engineering program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), work 4 years at their position and pass a State examination well. Entry-level engineers work under the guidance of experienced engineers and it is quite possible for them to become technical specialists or to be over a staff of engineers and technicians.
One third of agricultural engineers is engaged for professional, scientific and technical services. They provide consultant services to farmers and industries connected with farm. Others agricultural engineers are engaged in such industries, as crops and livestock, manufacturing and government. Up to 2012 it is expected that the quantity of agricultural engineers will increase. Their increase can be explained because of the standardization of agricultural equipment, the demand for agricultural products and more efficient agricultural production.
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