Environmental/Agricultural Engineer

Genesee Conservation District

Position Announcement: Environmental/Agricultural Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW

To further the vision of an inspired community that lives sustainably with our natural environment, Genesee Conservation District, in Flint, MI, is seeking applicants to fill the position of Environmental/Agricultural Engineer. This rewarding career involves the planning, design, and installation of conservation engineering practices addressing animal waste management, water management, farm resource management flood control, and wetland creation or restoration. The position will provide engineering services by conducting field investigations, topographic and stakeout surveys, preparing engineering designs and drawings, preparing construction cost estimates, and providing oversight of the installation of engineering structures and practices in several counties. The engineer will be employed by Genesee Conservation District, under the technical guidance of the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work within deadlines and manage conflicting demands while successfully operating in an ever-changing work environment with minimal direction from supervisor
• Maintain and apply knowledge of Michigan NRCS Standards and Specifications to engineering work
• Conduct site visits and perform field assessments and topographic surveys to determine site feasibility for and gather data to facilitate design of proposed engineering practices
• Use AutoCAD Civil 3D to prepare engineering designs and drawings in accordance with NRCS policies and procedures
• Prepare construction cost estimates for client review to assist in the planning and design of practices
• Interpret construction drawings and specifications for contractor and/or clients. Conduct and/or coordinate construction quality assurance inspections to ensure project standards and specifications are met. Document as-built specifications of practices for approval.
• Accurately complete and submit required reporting to Genesee Conservation District, its partners, and funding agencies
• Utilize guidelines in the performance of all work. These guidelines include United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) policy and procedure as outlined in Bulletins, National Engineering Manual and Handbooks, Engineering Field Handbook, Technical Releases, Technical Guide, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and ASTM Specifications, and various manufacturer catalogs and specifications.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The position requires completion of a Bachelor of Science in Civil, Environmental, or Agricultural Engineering or related engineering field (with focus in construction or water) accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Fundamentals of Engineering practices and principles; successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is desired but not required.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and the general public
• Possess and maintain a valid Michigan State drivers’ license
• Knowledge of or interest in a basic understanding of agricultural land use practices, common rural and urban land use practices, and the resource management issues and challenges facing the region
• Use of computers to prepare and record field and technical data, track work products, and write reports
• Use of computer programs such as AutoCAD, Arc GIS, and Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience designing and preparing site maps and plans with AutoCAD
• Experience using and managing GIS software and databases
• Experience using GPS and post-processing software
• Knowledge or understanding of a broad range of soil and water conservation principles, techniques, methods, and practices to apply and install conservation systems, which involve complex and diverse agricultural and other land uses
• Knowledgeable of land survey practices and have experience interpreting maps and aerial photography
• Knowledge or understanding of green stormwater infrastructure or low impact development stormwater management principles and design concepts
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulatory programs and applying that knowledge to the design and permitting of water management, steep slope management, shorelines management, forest health management
• Knowledge and skill in written and oral communication techniques and public relations sufficient to explain technical engineering specifications for various projects and programs to individual landowners, various agencies, local sponsoring organizations, and other conservation partners

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work requires personal contact with co-workers, construction contractors, and landowners for the purpose of exchanging information, providing engineering consultative services, and obtaining experience in relating engineering practices to conservation programs. Approximately half of the work is performed in an office setting while seated at a desk. The normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The employee frequently will make field visits that may involve walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment, or climbing steep banks during all weather conditions. The position requires average agility and dexterity during field visits. Protective clothing such as boots and gloves may be necessary during field visits.

COMPENSATION

The position is a full-time, 40 hours per week, $25-$28 per hour to start based on certifications and experience. The position is grant-funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI) program; renewed annually. Benefits include a small benefit stipend, paid holidays, paid time off/sick time, and access to employer-sponsored employee paid health benefits, according to District policies.

Genesee Conservation District does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.