Agricultural, Civil or Environmental Field Engineer

qualified candidates to fill two Agricultural, Civil or Environmental Field Engineer positions, one located in Columbia, Missouri (Boone SWCD) and the other in Jefferson City, Missouri (Cole SWCD). Both SWCD’s are equal opportunity employers.

The engineers will have statewide responsibilities in Missouri and be responsible for providing technical guidance and leadership in the overall planning, design, installation, and maintenance of the engineering phases of SWCD and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation practices.

Each engineer will be an employee of either Boone SWCD or Cole SWCD, and will report directly to the Board of Supervisors of the SWCD which employs them. The engineers will also work cooperatively with, and receive technical oversight and direction from, the NRCS State Conservation Engineer (SCE).

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agricultural, Biosystems, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, or equivalent, is required along with holding a current Professional Engineering (PE) license in any state at the time of hire. The incumbent agrees to obtain a PE in the State of Missouri within three months of being hired.

Must have a minimum of 4 years of engineering experience preferably in the area of soil and water or natural resources engineering.

Field activities will require working in a variety of weather conditions and the ability to lift 40 pounds.

Desired Skills:

Skill in applying civil engineering principles, practices and methods as applicable to the areas of soil and water conservation, stream restoration, wetland restoration, water resources management, dam and reservoir construction, operation & maintenance and animal waste & nutrient management;

Skill in applying the principles of stream hydrology, hydraulics, and geomorphology, particularly bioengineering and function-based approaches to stream restoration such as natural channel design, geotechnical engineering, aquatic biology, and ecology;

Ability to complete a variety of engineering surveys including bench level, profile, cross-section and topographic with a variety of equipment including optical instruments and survey grade GPS;

Ability to develop, read and interpret civil engineering design drawings, plans and specifications;

Knowledge and skill in applying common conservation practices and in operating engineering computer applications such as CAD (AutoCAD), GIS (ESRI ArcGIS or ArcPro), HEC-RAS and NRCS programs;

Ability to develop and present effective technical engineering training to fellow employees and partner groups; Skills in operating email, word processing, spreadsheet and database computer applications common to a modern office;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required in order to work with fellow employees, government representatives, consultants, customers and the general public;

Awareness of modern farming and land stewardship practices common to Missouri;

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Engineering Practice Design:

Provide engineering support to the NRCS Small Watershed Program project sponsors by assisting with Operation and Maintenance (O&M) as assigned by the SCE. Provide inspection assistance follow-up on complex O&M issues, complete investigations, planning, and designs for O&M repairs or alterations as approved by the SCE. Provides training to sponsors on proper inspection techniques.

Provide engineering leadership for streambank stabilization practice planning, design, and construction as approved by the SCE. Completes streambank stabilization activities with a focus on geomorphological and stability assessments, bioengineering, and applying function-based approaches to stream restoration, such as natural channel design techniques, as appropriate for each site.

Lead the planning, design, and construction of engineering practices such as water management, animal waste management, pipelines, erosion control, flood control, wetland creation or restoration, streambank stabilization, and other conservation practices needing engineering guidance. Make periodic on-site inspections of engineering work for technical adequacy and adherence to standards and policy to ensure work is being carried out according to drawings and specifications and to identify major problems.

Responsibilities include performing site investigations and feasibility studies, conducting checks of field designs for structural works, and preparing or reviewing field designs and preliminary and final drawings and specifications on engineering practices. Designs are checked for ease of construction, availability of materials, and whether or not structures are adapted to the specific site.

Interpret plans and specifications for contractors, solving problems at the local level that involve proper interpretation of plans and specifications. Directs the calculation of earthwork, concrete, steel, conduits, and other materials, and prepares construction estimates and bills of materials.

Completes planning, design, and construction of engineering practices as specified in the NRCS Field Technical Guide according to NRCS policy and standards.

Cooperates with conservation partners of the SWCD (including Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, NRCS, and others) to provide resources to farmers, ranchers, and landowners to aid them with conservation activities.

Upon Determination of expertise in practice planning, design, and construction, and as a licensed PE in the state of Missouri, the engineer will adhere to NRCS policy when granted Engineering Job Approval Authority (EJAA) by the NRCS SCE. The engineer will also review and approve conservation practice designs exceeding the EJAA Class of SWCD technicians.

Quality Assurance:

Conducts periodic quality reviews of notes, drawings, designs, and installations for compliance with policies, procedures, and specifications. Keeps the SCE informed at all times of the status of engineering operations assigned and provides recommendations for changes.

Reviews and checks engineering planning, design, and construction work of SWCD technicians with lower EJAA.

Coordinates and conducts necessary quality assurance reviews of planned, designed, and constructed engineering projects, as directed by the SCE.

Works within a team concept to develop and implement ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the products and services provided to cooperators.

Engineering Practices Training:

Assist the SCE in determining training needs of the field personnel engaged in engineering work. Makes recommendations to the SCE on training needed and assists in the organization of the statewide engineering training program. Provides intensive engineering on-the-job training to field office staff as indicated by needs.

Assists the SCE in evaluating the effectiveness of engineering practices, technical documents, and procedures. Assists in the development of new technical documents and revisions to existing Technical Guide Standards, specifications, and "How To" materials.

Assists the SCE in providing technical guidance and training to personnel for engineering practices and in the use and care of engineering equipment. Enlists the aid or appropriate specialists in conducting training when necessary. Provides training to conservation contractors and others assisting with the planning and applications of conservation practices.

Other:

Attend SWCD board meetings, meetings with partners, and training/educational meetings as required.

All other duties as assigned by the SWCD Board of Supervisors.

Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Interested candidates shall submit cover letter & resume by July 15, 2018 to the Boone County SWCD at 601 Business Loop 70 West, Suite 213E, Columbia, MO 65203 or to the Cole County SWCD at 1911 Boggs Creek Rd., Jefferson City, MO 65109.

For questions about the positions please contact Ethan Miller at the Boone County SWCD, 573-875-5540 ext. 3 (ethan.miller@swcd.mo.gov), or Peggy Lemons at the Cole County SWCD, 573-893-5188 ext. 3 (peggy.lemons@swcd.mo.gov).