Agricultural Engineering Jobs in South Africa

OFO No: 214905

Other names for Agricultural Engineer:

Agricultural Product Processing Enginee
Agricultural Structures and Facilities Engineer
Aqua Culture Engineer
Crop Production Mechanisation Engineer
Irrigation Engineer
Natural Resources Engineer

Youtube clip of a Agricultural Engineers

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What is an Agricultural Engineer?

Agricultural Engineering is concerned with the environment and our natural resources.

Agricultural Engineers use their engineering and biological science knowledge to solve agricultural problems. They usually work with automated machinery, electrification structures, soil and water conservation and mechanical processing of agricultural products etc.

Agricultural Engineers study the interaction between man-made structures and the earth’s living, and life-sustaining resources, for example: soil, water, plants, animals.

Agricultural Engineers may specialise in one of 4 areas:

Conservation of Natural Resources:

To preserve our natural resources like water and soil, they design and plan structures and safe transport systems for flood water control

Energy Sources and Mechanisation:

They research and develop new, alternative energy sources and machinery. They also test and improve existing machinery.

Irrigation and Drainage:

Designing new, more effective drainage and irrigations systems. They may also play a leading role in the planning and design of large state water schemes (eg hydro-electric structures)

They design and supervise the construction of animal shelters and various buildings for example: meat, milk and egg production, storing, drying, refrigeration and processing other agricultural products, to name but a few.

Agricultural Engineers should be problem-solvers with an eye for detail, a head for technology and a heart for design.

They should have good communication skills, and enjoy working with a team of colleagues and clients alike.

Being practical and adaptable will come in useful, as things often do not go according to plan.

What does an Agricultural Engineer do?

develops parameters for design, manufacture, or construction of equipment and facilities
designs and directs the manufacture of equipment for land tillage and fertilization
designs and manages the machinery needed for harvesting or moving commodities
supervises the erection of structures for crop storage, animal shelters, and human dwellings in an agricultural setting
plans and directs construction of irrigation (including dams), drainage and flood-control systems
makes sure systems are sensitive to soil and water conservation
supervises installation of automated equipment and instruments used in farm processes
researches technical problems and develop new methods and techniques to solve problems

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