GEF

Unit 3  |  Water Use and Human Water Systems 76 CAREER FOCUS: AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER Education: Agricultural engineers must have a bachelor’s degree, usually in agricultural engineering or biological engineering. Students considering studying agricultural engineering in college will benefit from taking high school courses in mathematics and sciences. At the college level, students take courses in advanced calculus, physics, biology, and chemistry. They also may take courses in business, public policy, and economics. Engineers who have a master’s degree or a Ph.D. are more likely to be involved in research and development activities. Median Salary (2016): $73,640. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agricultural engineers’ role in water conservation is to apply strategies that reduce the use of water. They may develop new technologies that decrease the amount of water used for certain activities. For example, they may design agricultural machinery and equipment or irrigation systems that use water more efficiently and help determine how to deliver the most water for a given type of crop. Agricultural engineers may also be involved in pollution management, preventing runoff from fields that could pollute local water sources. Typical job duties include: ■■ Use computer software to design equipment, systems, or structures ■■ Modify environmental factors that affect animal or crop production, such as airflow in a barn or runoff patterns on a field ■■ Test equipment to ensure its safety and reliability ■■ Oversee construction and production operations ■■ Plan and work together with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers to ensure effective and desirable outcomes Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition , Agricultural Engineers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/agricultural-engineers.htm