POWER, STRUCTURAL & TECHNICAL SYSTEMS

Power, structural, and technical systems workers apply knowledge of engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures, and controls to the field of agriculture. They also design agricultural structures as well as machinery and equipment.

CAREER DETAILS

Description:
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.

Tasks:

  • Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
  • Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
  • Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
  • Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
  • Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.

*Additional tasks may be needed for this career.

Average Salary:
$47,330 – $160,950

Description:
Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.

Tasks:

  • Load and unload crops or containers of materials, manually or using conveyors, handtrucks, forklifts, or transfer augers.
  • Mix specified materials or chemicals, and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery.
  • Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus and weed growth, and diseases, using hand sprayers.
  • Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.
  • Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery.

*Additional tasks may be needed for this career.

Average Salary:
$18,420 – $37,620

Description:
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.

Tasks:

  • Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
  • Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
  • Record details of repairs made and parts used.
  • Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
  • Clean and lubricate parts.

*Additional tasks may be needed for this career.

Average Salary:
$25,720 – $53,680

VIRGINIA WIZARD

Learn more about the careers above and others in agriculture by visiting the Virginia Education Wizard.