Favourites
Not a student?
Further info
Are you
a problem solver? Try our
new game
Are you a problem solver? Try our new game
Red tractor toy

Land-based Engineering Technician

Mending the equipment used by outdoor workers, from combine harvesters to diggers

How this role makes a difference

Outdoor sectors including agriculture, horticulture, forestry and outdoor power use a diverse range of tools and machinery – everything from saws to combine harvesters, rakes to generators. These all need to be serviced and maintained.

Equipment is often specialised to an industry and fixing it requires in depth understanding of how it will be used and in which conditions, to make sure it is capable of doing the work it needs to do. You could be a technician who supports an outdoor sector, by making sure outdoor workers have the tools they need to succeed.

The kind of work you’ll do

  • Carrying out inspections of machines and preparing machinery condition reports
  • Diagnosing and repairing complex faults in machinery and equipment
  • Repairing machinery in a forest, roadside, field or workshop
  • Producing proposals and estimates for repairs
  • Guiding customers on the repairs required and costs involved
Useful skills
Technologically minded
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Instructing others
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An interest in nature and preference for working outside.

The ability to look at a problem from all angles and make a choice about the best way forward.

Confidence to try new tools and machinery.

An ease completing tasks and creating things on a computer.

The ability to read and understand complex diagrams.

Attention to detail when completing tasks and recording information.

The ability to listen closely to customer needs and provide instructions on the machinery they use.

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- building, making and fixing things

- sports, adventures and outdoors

- animals and nature

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

You will probably specialise in one outdoor sector and could become an expert in one area of machinery, for example milking machines or tractors.

The increased focus on agricultural technology – or Agri-Tech – as well as sustainability and net carbon neutral targets, could mean you get involved in product innovation. You could help to create modern agriculture that minimises negative impacts on the environment.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You will need to understand how machines interface with biological systems and what’s involved in an environment, including climate, soil, plants and animals. Each outdoor sector presents different challenges and machinery is becoming more technologically advanced to achieve different goals.

Discover
technicians who
do this role

Land-based Engineering Technician

Thomas Burfield
Paper aeroplane

What are your next steps?

Discover our expert advice on the different pathways available and how to get into your dream role.

3 glass beakers and vases with different amounts of red liquid in

Browse more technican roles

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.