Civil/Agricultural Engineer

Civil/Agricultural Engineer Location:

NRCS Field Office Woodstown, NJ Classification:

Full-time

INTRODUCTION

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Cape Atlantic Conservation District have a shared and complimentary mission to assist land users to conserve their soil, water, and related natural resources. The Cape Atlantic Conservation District is a New Jersey state organization seeking to hire a Civil/Agricultural engineer with a New Jersey Professional Engineering (PE) license to deliver conservation technical assistance and program support for the agricultural programs that are a part of Farm Bill programs administered by the USDA. The partner employee would be housed in the NRCS Woodstown field office and perform tasks as assigned by the NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations..

MAJOR DUTIES

Technical Assistance Provides engineering technical assistance for preliminary site investigations and conservation planning. Defines site limitations, design data, criteria, and applicable laws or regulations. Develops alternative solutions for solving complex resource management concerns in the areas of erosion control, water management, agricultural waste management, and water quality. Provides quality control services including layout, material testing, and construction checks in order to ensure adherence to technical standards. Explains construction details to service center personnel, landowners, and contractors. Prepared designs are reviewed and approved by NRCS for compliance with NRCS technical standards, accuracy of information, completeness, and feasibility of construction. Provides technical guidance and direction to service center and district staff in the planning, design, and construction of engineering practices. Surveys and Site Investigations Assists with engineering design surveys, construction layout, and construction checks. Defines type of survey and detail and accuracy required to meet design and construction needs. Based on field evaluations, determines the type, scope, and intensity of field investigations and surveys needed. Design Assists with collection of field data and assures adequacy of collected data. Sees that procedures and products conform to current Service policy and standards. Prepares site specific engineering designs, drawings, and specifications. Performs drafting and other graphical work on a computer-aided drafting system. Maintains state-of-the-art knowledge in the use, application, and management of computer hardware and software applicable to available computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems. As necessary, trains others in the use of the system. Maintains the system equipment and the supplies for the system with supervision. Documents layout and construction in conservation assistance notes or job diary. Documents completed work to higher graded supervisor or similar authority for certification and approval. Computes quantities associated with projects designed in the field office. Exercises judgment in selecting and applying standard methods of computation for quantities such as concrete, earth fill, and excavation. Checks quantity computations made by others for accuracy and completeness. From rough sketches provided by engineers, or other field office personnel, develops standard drawings for area use for a variety of conservation practices. Employee independently determines the layout of the standard drawings and details needed to adequately construct the practices. Standard drawings are developed on the CAD system. Training Supports engineering training needs for various field office personnel. Helps to provide engineering instruction in the use of the National Engineering Manual, the Engineering Field Handbook, Agricultural Waste Manual Field Handbook, State Technical Guide, and various technical releases and handbooks. Supports training in surveying and engineering equipment usage. Participates in training program for students and new technicians assigned to the duty station Provides informal training and assists with formal training of field office personnel, district personnel, and others in the private sector in the technical aspects of soil and water conservation. Other Performs other duties as assigned. The Civil/Agricultural Engineer will perform work under their professional engineering license.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position.

This will require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of survey techniques, including use of electronic survey equipment, in order to independently gather field data, perform layout, verify construction of conservation practices and systems, and resolve difficult but well-precedented issues. Knowledge of construction techniques, contracting procedures, and NRCS quality assurance policy in order to read plans and understand construction and material specifications. Knowledge of construction safety policy and requirements in order to perform installation, testing, and maintenance duties. Knowledge of NRCS engineering technical standards, methods, and procedures related to the investigation, design, and construction of conservation engineering practices in order to implement conservation practices. Knowledge of NRCS policy and procedures related to the planning of conservation practices in order to assist in the development of conservation plans. Knowledge of engineering-related computer systems, e.g. CAD systems and others, in order to prepare designs for conservation practices. Ability to apply the fundamentals of mathematics, science, and engineering in order to design solutions to resource problems. Ability to prepare concise construction drawings, including the use of computer assisted drafting techniques, in order to facilitate the construction of conservation practices. Ability to work effectively with co-workers, contractors, partners, and landowners in order to provide for the efficient installation of conservation measures. Thorough knowledge of the grammatical usage of the English language. Ability to carry out work as directed. Ability to pass a Federal Background check and Employment Eligibility Verification Must possess a valid New Jersey drivers license.

Education:

. Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental or Agricultural Engineering from an ABET accredited school of engineering.

Physical Demands:

Regular physical exertion in an outdoor setting is required. Walking long distances over rough terrain under a variety of weather conditions is to be expected. Sitting at a desk or drafting table for long periods of time is occasionally required. Driving to work assignments may take up to three hours one way.

Work Environment:

Work is often performed out-of-doors with regular exposure to heavy equipment, noise, adverse weather, and rough terrain. Protective equipment is necessary on construction sites. Exposure to farm animals, insects, and poisonous plants and snakes can be expected. Environment can vary from agricultural fields to the urban setting. Office work is performed in the Woodstown and Vineland NRCS Field Offices.

Terms of Employment:

Full-time position Salary

• Based on Experience Insurance
• Health, Rx, dental Pension
• NJ Public Employees Retirement System Unemployment and Disability as per NJ State Policy How to

Apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest, along with a list of references, to: Michael Kent, District Manager Cape Atlantic Conservation District 6260 Old Harding Highway Mays Landing, NJ 08330; or by email to Michael Kent at capeatlanticscd@capeatlantic.org We strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. The Cape Atlantic Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay:

$80,000.00

• $100,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person