Conservation Engineering Technician
The purpose of this position is to provide engineering assistance to Soil and Water Conservation Districts that are members of Area 3 Technical Service Area (TSA) in northeast Minnesota. Engineering assistance involves the evaluation, design, and construction of eligible best management practices that protect and conserve water and soil resources.
Workload will be an even mix during field season of field survey, assessment, and construction oversight, in tandem with office-based design, modeling, and project management. Winter workload focuses more on drafting, design, modeling, and project management.
Closing Date: June 12, 2026
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide field assessment and conduct topographical surveys for the planning and design of best management practices and structural conservation projects.
2. Utilize sound ecological and engineering principles, design standards and methods to prepare final project designs and associated construction plans under the supervision of the TSA3 Engineer.
3. Assist with the development of hydrologic & hydraulic models, technical reports, specifications, and cost estimates.
4. Oversee construction of best management practices and structural conservation projects.
5. Communicate project expectations with landowners, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
6. Assist area staff with various field work as needs arise.
7. Other duties as assigned.
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Work Area: Northeastern Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Kanabec, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis Counties.
Employment Conditions: Full-time. There will be a six-month probationary period.
Salary:
Starting range: $48,000 - $58,000 per year.
Benefits:
Health And Dental Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, Retirement, and Minnesota Deferred Compensation Program.
Extensive Travel Required Throughout Northeastern Minnesota.
Minimum Qualifications:
- The position holder should hold an A.A.S. degree in Civil Engineering Technology or equivalent, or a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Natural Resources related field.
- Knowledge and experience with the use of computer-aided design and drafting software (AutoCAD), Auto CAD Civil 3D, and GPS and total station surveying equipment required.
- Must be willing to work long hours in varied conditions and terrain. Must be willing to stay overnight and travel on limited duration trips throughout Northeast Minnesota. Must be willing and able to carry 50 lbs. over uneven terrain.
- Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license.
- Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
- Desired Qualifications:
- Sound knowledge of the current principles and practices of engineering required. Desired areas of expertise include hydrology, hydraulics, surveying, agronomy, geology, soil science, soil mechanics, forestry, treatment structures, and related sciences.
- Knowledge of construction site sediment and erosion control; lakeshore, stream bank, and roadside stabilization; urban conservation issues; storm water management; feedlot pollution abatement; and other agronomic conservation practices are highly desirable.
- Effective oral communication, written communication, computer, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with ArcPro, HEC RAS, digital/paper maps, and physical filing and record systems, as well as with Microsoft Office, G Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and electronic communications and calendaring.
- Familiarity with stream geomorphology and stream restoration and analysis
Please send (electronic preferred) a resume and letter of interest by 4:00 p.m. on Friday June 12, 2026 to: R.C. Boheim, District Manager [email protected]
Please include a copy of your DD214 if you are applying for Veteran’s preference points.
The Area 3 SWCD Technical Service Area and South St. Louis SWCD are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SWCD will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Pay: $48,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
