Private Lands Engineer - IRIS; N. Carolina)

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This project is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. This position will serve as a key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in North Carolina, will be responsible for developing and implementing multi‑agency and NRCS workshops within the state, will engage in regional coordination aligned with broader program goals, and will serve as a key engineering resource for North Carolina NRCS state leadership.

Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hell benders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

This high‑level staff position will be under the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), at the College of Engineering's School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering (ECAM). The successful incumbent(s) will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and designers at the University of Georgia who are engaged in collaborations between IRIS and the USDA, other universities, and private sector partners.

These projects are highly specialized due to the incorporation of natural infrastructure systems and nature‑based solutions.

The successful incumbent will collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment and will lead, conceptualize and implement high‑quality and high‑impact engineering research and/or design projects through extensive knowledge and experience of environmental/civil engineering (or related discipline) for successful project delivery.

A successful applicant must be a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina or demonstrate sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure.

This position will be based out of North Carolina, in the Goldsboro area. Daily duties will be conducted remotely, in the NRCS field office, and on project sites throughout the area.

This is a grant‑funded position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the continuation of funding sources.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina or demonstrate sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure.

• Stream Restoration Certification, equivalent to Wildland Hydrology Level III or higher.
• Experience with leading the development and applications of hydrologic and hydraulic computer models using HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, SWMM.
• Experience with River morph software.
• Experience with taking lead/ownership of project permitting.
• Proficient knowledge of aquatic ecology and the ability to effectively integrate engineering principles with comprehensive understanding of aquatic resources as a whole.
• Skilled in leadership roles on large multi‑faced projects.

• Standard for an office environment.
• Will drive to project sites regionally.
• Frequent travel within the region.
• Outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions.
• This position requires frequent field work involving moderate hiking in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Successful…