Land-based engineer : Job description

Land-based engineers apply their knowledge of science and technology to engineering work with machinery in a wide range of environmental and agricultural industries. Businesses in land-based engineering commonly use machinery for agricultural, ground care, construction and forestry purposes.

As well as solving engineering problems engineers will also contribute to the development of increasingly efficient vehicles and equipment.

A high level of technical skill is sought in the land-based engineering industry but business and management skills are also vitally important to the successful development of businesses in the sector.

Typical work activities

A land-based engineer may be involved in any of the following tasks:

• designing, testing and developing agricultural, construction and other off-road vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, loaders, dump trucks and off-road recreational vehicles;
• designing, testing and developing equipment, such as ploughs, cultivators and sprayers, and other specialist equipment;
• planning and supervising the construction of farm buildings and associated structures, such as grain silos, greenhouses and controlled environments for livestock;
• advising on soil conservation measures;
• planning, supervising and managing the building of water conservation, irrigation and drainage systems;
• carrying out environmental impact assessments - a process of predicting and evaluating the effects of an action (such as building a motorway) on the environment;
• preparing and presenting reports;
• conducting research;
• teaching and lecturing in further and higher education;
• providing technical support to dealers and customers;
• offering consultancy services;
• providing emergency aid, e.g. helping to restore electricity and water supplies and reconstruct buildings in the aftermath of wars or natural disasters.