Overview

Software developers create programs for computers or other devices that fill a specific need or niche within an agricultural business.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Provide technical and systems design expertise to assist in the development, implementation, review and upgrade of Microsoft.Net-based management and decision making systems
• Act proactively in providing suggestions in regards to product development, new services and technologies or enhancements to existing systems/configurations which will assist the end user in improving overall service to customers
• Develop test plans along with expected results and perform quality testing
• Prepare implementation plans along with back-out and recovery plans
• Install and test software
• Provide on-going production support as needed
• Provide estimates on project requests; ensure timely delivery based on the estimates
• Actively participates on assigned team projects fulfilling task assignments, meeting deadlines, and proactively seeking attainment of team goals
• Ensures that technical skills are kept up to date to provide most efficient support to end users
• Assists in the development of programming expertise within the systems development team
• Promote agile practices such as continuous integration, paired programming, and cross-functional development within the team
• Knowledge of agricultural terminology specific to the sector of agriculture the software is being developed for is a plus.

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering is required.

To pursue a career as a software developer:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, computer courses, mathematics and coding.

Where can I work?

Agricultural companies that provide software solutions to producer/end user will employ software developers to create and maintain software programs. 

Future Job Market / Outlook

The job outlook for a software developer will be great over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Association of Information Technology Professionals
• Software Development Forum
• Association of Software Professionals