What a typical day can look like
A general picture, not one person. Real days vary by employer, season and place.
What does an agricultural energy auditor do?
An energy auditor visits a farm or food business, studies how energy is used and writes recommendations. That can include checking lights, motors, pumps, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and grain drying equipment, as well as reviewing past utility bills.
The finished report usually explains which changes could save the most money, what they would cost and how long they might take to pay back. A good auditor also explains the numbers to the farm owner in plain language.
Many audits also look at fuel, not only electricity. Diesel for tractors, propane for heating and natural gas for dryers can add up, so a thorough auditor asks about every energy source on the property and how each one is bought and used.
- Walking the site and noting equipment
- Measuring electricity and fuel use
- Reading utility bills and records
- Estimating costs and savings
- Writing and explaining a report
Who employs energy auditors?
Auditors work for utilities, cooperative power suppliers, engineering and consulting firms, state and federal programs, universities and extension services. Some people work independently once they have experience.
Programs and rules differ from place to place, and some funding sources require specific certifications. Check with your state energy office or extension service to learn what applies locally.
Because demand for audits often follows program funding and utility incentives, some auditors work seasonally or on contract. Ask experienced auditors how they build steady work, and learn which agencies in your region offer programs for farms and rural businesses.
What skills are useful?
Math and comfort with data come first, since audits rely on measurements and calculations. Technical knowledge of motors, pumps, lighting, heating and electrical systems helps. So does knowledge of how farms really operate, because a change that saves energy but disrupts milking or harvest will not be adopted.
Communication is equally important. You may be explaining your findings to a skeptical owner who has managed the farm for decades, so respect and clear examples matter.
- Spreadsheets and basic data analysis
- Understanding of electrical and mechanical systems
- Knowledge of farm routines
- Report writing
- Respectful, clear speaking
What training and credentials might you need?
Many auditors have a bachelor's degree in engineering, agricultural systems, energy management or a related field, while others come from electrical, mechanical or building trades and add training. Professional certifications exist, and some programs require them.
Because requirements vary by employer and state, ask the organization that runs the audit program you hope to join. Use the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET to explore related occupations and check current pay and outlook.
Short courses in building science, electrical safety and data tools can add to a degree or trade background. Ask auditors which training they found worth the cost, and avoid paying for any program that promises a job or a specific income.
How can you begin in high school?
Take math, physics, shop and computer classes. Practice by studying the energy use of something familiar, such as your family's electric bill or your school's lighting, and ask an adult about what you notice. Join FFA or 4-H and look for projects involving machines, irrigation or buildings.
Ask your local extension office or electric cooperative whether staff can talk with students about energy programs. Job shadowing an auditor, if possible, is the best way to see the work.
A summer job at a co-op, equipment dealer or electrician's shop can also be useful. Even routine tasks such as counting fixtures or reading meters teach you how equipment is described and measured.
What are common mistakes?
Beginners sometimes recommend the cheapest fix without checking how it fits the farm's daily work. Others forget to account for seasonal use, such as irrigation pumps that run hard for only a few months. Good audits ask what happens in every season.
Another mistake is overpromising savings. Auditors should state their assumptions and give ranges, not guarantees. Honest reports build trust and lead to repeat work.
Learning to ask the owner what has been tried before is a simple habit that helps. Past experience with a pump, a dryer or a cooler often explains why something is set up the way it is.
What should you ask someone in the field?
Ask how audits are scheduled around busy seasons, what tools they use and what they learned from a mistake. Ask what training they would recommend for a student and how they keep up with new equipment.
Also ask about on-site safety. Audits can involve electrical panels, machinery and livestock buildings, so auditors need training and should follow supervision and OSHA guidance.
Your next steps
- Energy auditors help farms cut energy use by studying equipment and records.
- The work blends data, technical knowledge and communication with farm owners.
- Credentials and programs vary, so ask the groups that run audits in your state.
- Start by building math, physics and observation skills now.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.