Ag Conservation Technician – Engineering Assistance

Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD)

Vacancy Announcement

Number of Positions Available: 1

Salary Range: $50,000 to $55,000/year, depending on experience

Location: Remote work with travel required throughout Western Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) works to enhance locally led efforts that support the wise use of the state’s natural resources. PACD primarily serves as the collective voice for Pennsylvania’s 66 county conservation districts. Our Engineering Assistance Program and its staff are annually grant-funded through sources such as the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC), the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Program, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Since 2001, the PACD Engineering Assistance Program has consistently worked on over 1,300 projects with its partners.

The Engineering Technician provides technical and field support for the design, layout, inspection, and implementation of agricultural conservation practices funded through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). Duties include conducting preliminary investigations of potential and contracted project sites, developing conservation plans, designing and engineering conservation practices, estimating project costs based on designs, and inspecting projects under construction and upon completion. The plans and designs are site‑specific, requiring consistent coordination and communication with various groups and individuals associated with the projects.

Technicians may participate in the permitting process for the projects. Technicians will maintain records appropriately, report required information in the necessary systems, and attend regularly scheduled training sessions, conferences, and meetings as assigned. This position also includes other duties as assigned.

A qualified candidate should be able to provide examples or documentation of skills or experience in some or all of these:

• Strong proficiency with Autodesk Civil 3D
• Experience with site measurements, data collection, and documentation.
• Working knowledge of basic surveying methods and field measurements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Understanding of agricultural operations and landowner relations.
• Strong communication skills to discuss and explain practices with landowners, farmers, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of technical standards relating to agricultural conservation practices, and a general understanding of environmental rules and regulations; earthmoving activity and its relation to soil erosion, soil mechanics and hydrology; survey instruments and interpreting various types of maps.
• Experience with conservation practices such as heavy use area protection, manure storage systems, compost facilities, and/or watering systems.
• Proficiency in inspecting construction sites for compliance with applicable regulations and practice specifications.
• Proficiency in reviewing agricultural conservation plans and reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team, as well as independently
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Technical writing and reporting skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, etc)
• Experience using GIS software (ArcGIS/QGIS) and advanced survey equipment (total station, RTK GPS)

Preferred: Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field (Relevant experience may substitute for education); or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Conservation/Natural Resources Engineering, or related discipline; or National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ), Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT)…