OFO No: 214905

Other names for Agricultural Engineer:

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) 

• Farm 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

Are you … ?

• interested in the farming sector?
• mechanically and scientifically minded?
• a problem solver?
• observant?
• a good communicator?
• practical?
• interested in industrial design?
• good at  computing and design?
• able to work without supervision and accept responsibility?
• innovative?

How do I become an Agricultural Engineer?

Agricultural Engineers have a qualification.

PATH 1

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering

PATH 2

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering
• 3 years work experience after registering as a Candidate Engineer
• ECSA reviews your professional work
• Apply for registration as a Professional Engineer
• ONLY registered engineers can use the title Professional Engineer behind their name
  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

• THE ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Ecologist and Environmental Technologist

Is becoming an Agricultural Engineer the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Topographical or Engineering Surveyor?

Surveyors can specialise into two main fields:

• Topographical Surveyor

Is a professional who specialises in establishing the exact location of physical features (like rivers, rock formations, geysers, waterfalls etc) and the dimensions on the Earth.

They do this by:

• triangulation (measuring of angles)
• traversing
• levelling (determining of heights)
• aerial photographs
• calculating positions and heights
• establishing place names
• annotating aerial photographs by indicating the topographical features

Back in office, the surveyor applies this information to the task of preparing a detailed land map. They will use a photogrammetric machine to assist them in the process.

• Engineering Surveyor
  

Collects all the relevant information on site of a proposed construction project and then maps out the area. Once the design of the project is complete, the surveyor pegs it out on the actual site and also monitors construction in progress to ensure that it does not exceed the specifications. The work is satisfying and offers a good balance of field and office work.

What does a Topographical or Engineering Surveyor do?

• meets with project consultants and other organisations to discuss requirements
• travels to sites
• sets up equipment and takes measurements and readings to assist their calculations and mapping
• draws up detailed maps showing exact positioning of points of interest that client’s require
• advises the team on what would be the best, most effective approach to project
• works outside and indoors

Are you . . . ?

• interested in working outdoors most of the time?
• physically fit?
• mathematically astute?
• observant?
• interested in drawing maps?
• able to work on a team?
• extremely accurate?
• responsible?

How do I become an Topographical or Engineering Surveyor? 

Surveyors can study a degree at Universities and Surveyor Technicians can study at Universities of Technologies.

Compulsory school subjects (topographical surveyors): Mathematics

Compulsory school subjects (engineering surveyors): Mathematics, Physical Science, English

Recommended school subject: Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Geography or Mechanics

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL SURVEYORS

http://www.plato.org.za/5studywhere.php

• BURSARIES

http://www.plato.org.za/5studybursary.php

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Land Surveyor or Geotechnician

Is becoming a Topographical or Engineering Surveyor the right career choice for me?

What is a Tractor Mechanic?

A Tractor Mechanic inspects, tests, maintains, services and repairs tractors or other large machinery.

What does a Tractor Mechanic do?

• inspects tractors and looks for faults, broken parts etc
• takes engines apart
• problem solves
• repairs or replaces broken or worn parts
• oils and greases parts
• maintains service records

Are you . . . ?

• interested in large machinery/ vehicles?
• interested in mechanics?
• good with your hands?
• methodical?
• responsible and reliable?
• safety conscious?

How do I become a Tractor Mechanic?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Mechanical Engineering (Fitting & Machining) (Fitter and Turner) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Welding Practice (All Positions: Mechanical Engineering) NQF Level 2 & 3
• Learnership – Welding Application and Practice (All metals in all positions: Mechanical Welder) NQF Level 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate: IC: Motor, Diesel and Tractor Mechanics – N1, N2 and N3
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Tractor Mechanic without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Mechanic … or … Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Is becoming a Tractor Mechanic the right career choice for me?