Agricultural/Environmental Engineer

The Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) is seeking to hire an engineering technician or entry-level engineer based in Rutland, Vermont to assist engineers with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Natural Resources Conservation District staff with data collection, CADD design, surveying and other entry-level engineering tasks for on-farm conservation projects on small and mid-size farms. Roughly half of the work will be in Bennington County, Vermont and the rest in other parts of the state. 

This work will be performed under the supervision of NRCS engineers and must be completed to NRCS standards.

Work is focused on conservation practices on small and medium-sized forms, particularly those being funded by Locally Led funding pools or Regional Conservation Partnership Projects.

• Prepare designs, preliminary and final drawings and specifications under the guidance of NRCS engineers and to NRCS standards.
• Perform site investigations, feasibility studies, and field construction checks for conservation practice installations.
• Make periodic quality reviews of notes, drawings, designs, and installations for compliance with policies, procedures, and/or specifications.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a US Citizen or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States.
• Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a federal background check.
• This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: A four-year degree in engineering, construction, or industrial technology OR a Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours of study in engineering, industrial technology, construction, physics, surveying, drafting, physical science or mathematics. At least six of those hours must be in drafting.

Additional Qualifications for Increased Compensation:

• More than two years of professional engineering experience
• Experience with USDA-NRCS programs
• Professional Engineering Certifications

Location: Hybrid position with work required in the NRCS Office in Rutland, VT. Field work will be performed throughout Vermont.

Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, traversing steep slopes and rough construction sites, recurring bending and stooping, jumping across shallow ditches, walking in soft, muddy and slippery conditions, and lifting and carrying equipment and samples that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office and field based setting. Frequent trips to field sites involve exposure to construction equipment and environment, and extreme temperatures of hot and cold.

Equal Opportunity Employer: VACD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.