Natural Resource Engineer

Position Announcement

Join a great team! The Kent Conservation District and its Natural Resource Conservation Services partner is seeking interested applicants to serve as an Engineer based out of the Grand Rapids, Michigan field office.

Who are we? Kent Conservation District’s mission is to protect and enhance the natural resources of Kent County. We accomplish this with voluntary programs available for private landowners in rural and urban areas, such as: habitat restoration assistance, Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assistance (MAEAP) verification, Farm Bill Programs, and technical assistance to all landowners. A Conservation District is a local unit of state government with the responsibility to carry out a program of natural resources conservation and encourage wise land management.

Position Overview This position serves as a member of a team of conservation professionals at the Kent Conservation District, a natural resource management special purpose district located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The position involves multi-faceted duties that require work in the office and the field; a high level of motivation, versatility, independence, and collaboration; and establishment and maintenance of partnerships with a wide range of landowners and conservation professionals to implement natural resource management practices on private and public property.

The individual holding this position provides technical services through the NRCS District’s Engineering Program. Duties include providing engineering support to several Counties (19). Examples of the types of work and projects coordinated by this position include providing engineering services to assist landowners with implementation of natural resource management practices detailed in District conservation plans and technical assistance documents; designing and implementing conservation projects; designing agricultural practices such as agrichemical containment facilities, livestock watering facilities, grade stabilization structures, grassed waterways, sedimentation control basins and wetland restoration projects.  The individual will gain substantial hands-on field and design experience.

Essential Job Duties

The following list of duties is intended as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the responsibilities of the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Maintain knowledge of and apply the best management practices as detailed by NRCS.
• Conduct and/or coordinate construction inspections to ensure project specifications are met in accordance with construction drawings and structural and regulatory standards.
• Conduct site visits and perform field assessments and surveys for District water quality protection and enhancement projects, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement projects, drainage management projects, and structural projects such as livestock waste storage facilities, sub-surface drains, livestock crossings, and clean water diversions and dispersions.
• Represent the District in a professional manner when making site visits and interacting with other Federal and District staff.
• Attend monthly Kent Conservation District Board meetings.
• Works cooperatively with staff from federal, state and county departments, tribes and member cities and others involved in NRCS projects.
• Develop and manage activities to meet calendar year work plan objectives.
• Maintain all program records. Activities include establishing, retaining and updating all hard copy and electronic contract records and all documentation related to project activities.
• Work collaboratively with a diverse population, using educational concepts and values along with persuasive skills to present information to non-technical audiences.
• Share a vision and passion for natural resource management and conservation practices.
• Improve technical skills by maintaining professional certifications and attending training sessions and workshops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, with emphasis in natural resources, agricultural, hydrological, geological, ecological and/or environmental or civil engineering.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is also desired.
• Currently hold or can obtain a valid Michigan State Driver’s 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 write reports, track work products, prepare and record field and technical data.

Desired 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.
• Knowledge or understanding of green stormwater infrastructure or low impact development stormwater management principles and design concepts.
• Proficient with computer programs such as Auto CAD, Arc GIS, and Microsoft Office
• Suite; knowledgeable of land survey practices; and have experience interpreting maps and aerial photography.
• Not required but beneficial is working 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.

Essential Functions

• Work under deadlines and manage conflicting demands while successfully operating in an ever-changing work environment with minimal direction from supervisor.
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with District staff, landowners, and other stakeholders to produce high quality, cost-effective work products.
• Present program information in public settings and meetings; prepare clear, concise and informative written documents and reports; maintain thorough and organized records.
• Travel to various Counties throughout the service area.
• Apply appropriate safety practices in the field and in the office.
• Lift 40 pounds.