Agricultural engineering technicians help to solve practical engineering problems in land based industries such as agriculture and horticulture. As a technician you might work in manufacturing, service and repair, or sales and marketing.

To do this job you need good skills in maths, and the ability able to solve problems quickly. If you’re a practical person who is well organised, and looking for a varied job, then this is a career that could suit you well.

As a technician working in manufacturing, you will typically:

• help agricultural engineers develop new products
• create equipment plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
• make parts and build machinery
• test the machinery's electrical and mechanical systems.

If you work in service and repair, you will:

• make maintenance checks on mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• install machinery on site
• inspect, remove, replace and test equipment.

In sales and marketing, you will typically:

• research machinery developments and market trends
• demonstrate and sell new equipment and parts
• look after client accounts
• deal with enquiries and orders.

• an interest in engineering technology
• good practical skills
• the ability to solve problems quickly
• the ability to manage and organise your own workload
• good communication and negotiation skills
• a reasonable level of fitness
• an awareness of health and safety legislation
• the ability to work alone and as part of a team
• strong IT skills.

Average salary (2014):

United Kingdom: As a technician starting out you will usually earn up to £12,000 a year. When you are qualified, you could earn between £27,000 and £35,000 depending on your employer.

Qualifications and training required:

You may be able to get into this job as an apprentice with an equipment manufacturer or service and repair contractor. Employers usually ask for around four GCSEs (grades A-C), in subjects like maths, English, science, engineering and design and technology. You will also be expected to have IT skills.

To improve your chances of finding work, you could also take a Level 2 Certificate/Level 3 Diploma in Land-based Service Engineering or Land-based Technology.

Source: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk