Position Summary
We are seeking a Civil Engineer to support the planning, evaluation, design, and implementation of drainage and water-resource projects. The successful candidate may be considered at the Junior, Mid-Level, or Senior level, depending on education, professional licensure, experience, and demonstrated technical capabilities.
This position will focus primarily on drainage, stormwater management, hydrology, hydraulics, erosion and sediment control, watershed improvements, and related civil engineering projects. The engineer will work with property owners, contractors, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to evaluate drainage concerns and develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
The position will include a combination of field investigations, engineering analysis and design, preparation of plans and reports, project coordination, construction observation, and stakeholder communication. The level of responsibility and independence will be commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.
1. Junior Civil Engineer Position Summary
The Junior Civil Engineer supports the design, evaluation, and implementation of drainage and conservation projects under the guidance of experienced engineering staff. This position is intended for an engineer who has demonstrated fundamental engineering knowledge and is working toward professional licensure.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the design and evaluation of drainage systems, including:
- Agricultural drainage systems
- Stormwater conveyance systems
- Culverts and roadside drainage
- Swales, channels, and ditches
- Infiltration and other stormwater management practices
- Erosion and sediment control measures
- Perform basic hydrologic and hydraulic calculations.
- Assist with watershed, drainage-area, and site assessments.
- Collect and analyze field data, including drainage conditions, elevations, soil conditions, and existing infrastructure.
- Prepare engineering calculations, plans, sketches, maps, reports, and cost estimates.
- Assist with site inspections and construction observation.
- Utilize GIS, CAD, surveying information, and other engineering software.
- Assist senior engineers with permit applications and regulatory documentation.
- Communicate with landowners and other stakeholders regarding drainage and conservation concerns.
- Support the development of conservation plans and engineering recommendations.
- Review existing drainage infrastructure and identify maintenance or improvement needs.
- Perform other engineering duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
- Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.
- Ability to obtain Engineer Intern/EIT certification in the applicable jurisdiction.
- Fundamental knowledge of civil engineering principles, hydrology, hydraulics, surveying, and drainage.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, maps, and technical documents.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- EIT certification.
- Coursework or experience in hydrology, hydraulics, water resources, environmental engineering, or agricultural engineering.
- Experience with AutoCAD/Civil 3D, ArcGIS, or similar software.
- Familiarity with NRCS conservation practices and technical standards.
- Field experience involving drainage, erosion control, or stormwater management.
2. Mid-Level Civil EngineerPosition Summary
The Mid-Level Civil Engineer independently performs engineering analysis, design, project coordination, and field evaluation for drainage and conservation projects. This position is expected to manage projects of moderate complexity while providing technical guidance to junior engineering staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and evaluation of drainage and water-management projects.
- Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for:
- Stormwater systems
- Agricultural drainage
- Culverts
- Channels and ditches
- Detention and retention facilities
- Erosion and sediment control systems
- Watershed improvement projects
- Prepare engineering plans, specifications, calculations, reports, and cost estimates.
- Conduct field investigations and evaluate existing drainage infrastructure.
- Develop practical engineering solutions for landowners, agricultural operations, municipalities, and conservation partners.
- Coordinate projects with surveyors, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Review engineering plans and technical submissions for compliance with applicable standards.
- Assist with permitting and regulatory requirements.
- Perform construction observation and inspection.
- Manage project schedules, budgets, documentation, and deliverables.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Junior Civil Engineers and technical staff.
- Participate in public meetings and communicate engineering concepts to non-engineering audiences.
- Apply applicable conservation, environmental, stormwater, and drainage standards to project designs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Current Professional Engineer (PE) license/certification in the applicable jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 3 years of professional civil engineering experience, preferably involving drainage, stormwater, water resources, agricultural engineering, or conservation projects.
- Demonstrated knowledge of hydrology and hydraulics.
- Experience preparing engineering calculations, plans, specifications, and reports.
- Ability to independently evaluate field conditions and develop engineering recommendations.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NRCS standards, conservation practices, or watershed projects.
- Experience with AutoCAD/Civil 3D and ArcGIS.
- Experience with hydrologic/hydraulic modeling software.
- Experience working with agricultural landowners, municipalities, contractors, or conservation districts.
- Construction inspection or project management experience.
- Knowledge of state and federal stormwater, erosion, sediment control, and water-resource regulations.
3. Senior Civil EngineerPosition Summary
The Senior Civil Engineer serves as a technical leader for the Conservation District's drainage and water-resource engineering program. This position is responsible for complex engineering projects, technical review, project management, and mentoring of engineering staff.
The Senior Engineer will provide professional engineering judgment on projects involving drainage, stormwater, watershed management, erosion control, agricultural water management, and conservation infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex drainage, stormwater, watershed, and conservation engineering projects from initial assessment through design and implementation.
- Provide professional engineering analysis and recommendations for complex drainage and water-resource problems.
- Design and oversee projects involving:
- Watershed drainage systems
- Agricultural drainage
- Stormwater management
- Culverts and crossings
- Open channels and drainage ditches
- Detention and retention facilities
- Stream and watershed restoration
- Erosion and sediment control
- Conservation practices and related infrastructure
- Perform and review advanced hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and modeling.
- Serve as the senior technical reviewer for engineering calculations, plans, specifications, reports, and cost estimates.
- Establish design approaches, engineering standards, and quality-control procedures.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, contracts, and deliverables.
- Coordinate with municipalities, state and federal agencies, NRCS, landowners, consultants, contractors, and other conservation organizations.
- Provide technical support for grant applications and funding proposals.
- Assist the Conservation District with long-range watershed and drainage planning.
- Evaluate existing infrastructure and develop rehabilitation, replacement, or maintenance strategies.
- Oversee construction activities and provide professional engineering guidance when necessary.
- Mentor and supervise Junior and Mid-Level Engineers.
- Represent the Conservation District at technical meetings, public meetings, and stakeholder events.
- Communicate complex engineering issues clearly to landowners, elected officials, board members, and the general public.
- Ensure engineering work complies with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and conservation objectives.
- Serve as the District's senior technical resource for drainage-related issues.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Current Professional Engineer (PE) license/certification in the applicable jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 7 years of professional civil engineering experience, with significant experience in drainage, stormwater, hydrology/hydraulics, water resources, agricultural drainage, or related civil engineering.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing complex engineering projects.
- Strong knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic principles and drainage design.
- Demonstrated ability to review and approve engineering calculations, plans, specifications, and technical reports.
- Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for or with a conservation district, NRCS, watershed organization, municipality, or similar public agency.
- Extensive experience with agricultural drainage and watershed management.
- Experience with NRCS engineering standards and conservation practices.
- Advanced experience with Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling software.
- Experience with state and federal permitting.
- Experience managing grants or publicly funded infrastructure projects.
- Construction management or inspection experience.
- Experience supervising engineering or technical staff.
Core Competencies – All Levels
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Drainage and water-resource engineering
- Hydrology and hydraulics
- Stormwater management
- Erosion and sediment control
- Watershed-based problem solving
- Field investigation and assessment
- Engineering design and documentation
- CAD and/or GIS proficiency
- Clear technical communication
- Collaboration with landowners and public agencies
- Environmental and conservation stewardship
- Practical, cost-effective engineering judgment
Working Environment
The position combines office-based engineering and field work. Employees should expect regular travel to farms, drainage systems, waterways, construction sites, and other project locations. Field activities may involve walking over uneven or wet terrain and working in varying weather conditions.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Family leave
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you passed the FE exam?
Education:
License/Certification:
- Professional Engineer license (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
