Engineering Specialist, Soil Conservation District

Overview

Engineering Specialist, Soil Conservation District. This technical and planning position supports regional and local engineering conservationists in planning, designing, recommending and implementing soil and water conservation practices, including agricultural waste management systems, roof runoff management systems, waste storage structures, remote watering structures, shallow water control structures, shallow water wetlands, grass waterways, and contour cropping systems.

The employee does not supervise but may assist in training and guidance of lower-level employees, such as Soil Conservation Associates and Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialists. The employee is supervised by the District Manager and receives technical guidance from the District Conservationist. The work involves performing soil conservation planning tasks at an advanced level with the ability to exercise independent judgment within broad guidelines and under limited supervision.

The employee supports conservation activities within the Howard Soil Conservation District and applies methods and techniques of engineering and soil and water conservation principles and practices.

• Selects and applies designs for soil conservation planning using best management practices (BMPs).
• Works with landowners, operators and contractors in recommending or applying conservation practices.
• Develops soil conservation and water quality plans for cooperators.
• Checks construction of standardized conservation projects in progress or when complete; evaluates and proposes solutions to drainage and soil-related problems for individuals, groups, or other units of government.
• Proficient in the operation of Conservation Desktop, the NRCS planning tool.
• Performs conservation planning duties such as inventory and evaluation of land and farm operations, preparing and delivering maps and finished plans.
• Provides assistance to cooperators with a variety of cost-share programs.
• Conducts assessments of resource concerns on farms and develops soil conservation planning prescriptions to address water quality issues.
• Communicates effectively with farmers, contractors, engineers, and agency staff.
• May oversee the work of survey operations, technicians and contractors.
• May oversee construction or implementation of BMPs.
• May lead survey projects or other technical projects or programs, including developing designs for conservation practices.
• Designs or assists in designing BMPs such as waterways, diversion, drainage systems, animal waste management systems and other practices to reduce erosion or minimize pollution.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• May inspect installed practices to determine adherence to standards and specifications.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NRCS Conservation Planner Certification (preferred).
• Class C Maryland Driver’s license or equivalent issued by state of residence.
• Knowledge of soil and water conservation principles; knowledge of land surveying; knowledge of elementary engineering methods related to planning of soil and water conservation, agronomic and structural projects.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; develop and review technical engineering designs; develop plans for conservation practices; compose drawings; perform routine computations.
• Ability to complete soil conservation and water quality plans using Conservation Desktop; demonstrated proficiency with GIS systems (e.g., Arc View, Arc Map, Property View).
• Ability to communicate with engineers, architects, conservationists, landowners, contractors and others involved in soil and water conservation projects.
• Ability to train and provide guidance to other employees.
• Ability to work with others, conduct public meetings or hearings, and provide educational programs and presentations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job.…