Position Title: Conservation Engineer OR Engineering Technician
(We are seeking one person to fill either position, depending on qualifications and experience)
Location: Stearns County SWCD, 110 Second Street South, Suite 128 Waite Park, MN 56387
Full range:
Conservation Engineer $31.27/hr to 37.84/hr (dependent upon experience), Full salary range up to $55.49/hr
Engineering Technician $25.57/hr to 31.27/hr (dependent upon experience), Full salary range up to $45.91/hr
Status: Regular full time, non-exempt
Benefits: Medical/dental/vision coverage (single or family), PERA, vacation/sick/holiday leave
Application Deadline: October 14, 2024, 4 PM deadline
Interview Date: November 18, 2024 (selected applicants only)
Position Purpose: This position provides engineering assistance working with landowners, groups and units of government to apply and maintain a variety of conservation practices in the designated twelve SWCD West Central Technical Service Area (WCTSA).
This person is responsible for providing technical guidance and the overall planning, design, installation and maintenance of the engineering phases of conservation activities. Supervision from WCTSA Area Engineer (Ross Reiffenberger).
Minimum Qualifications: Conservation Engineer
Must have a minimum of a 4-year degree in civil, agricultural, environmental engineering or related field and experience in soil and water conservation practice design. Must have successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam and obtained, or in the process of obtaining, an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate.
Minimum Qualifications: Engineering Technician
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience with a major study in Agricultural Resource Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Technology Engineering, or similar field of study.
Other qualifications for both positions, include but may not be limited to:
Knowledge and experience in the areas of feedlot pollution abatement, stormwater management and other rural and urban non-point pollution best management practices
Proficient in the use of computer-aided design software (Auto Cad, Civil 3D, GIS), drafting equipment, GPS and total station survey equipment
Possess the ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written forms
Working knowledge of NRCS Standards and Specifications
Knowledge in NRCS hydrologic models and hydrology modeling
Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working with a wide variety of people
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
Valid Driver’s License
Ability to pass USDA security background check
Working Environment: Work is performed in an office setting approximately 70% of the time and 30% out in the field. Lifting requirement is up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and ability to work in rugged terrain is required.
Who we are: The award-winning Stearns Conservation District (SCD) is a special purpose government agency that covers Stearns County. Our mission is to support voluntary conservation actions to preserve and enhance Stearns County’s natural resources. An elected board of five supervisors provides SCD’s vision and direction for a team of 22 professionals. We are co-located with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
About Stearns County: Stearns County offers a very diverse range of natural resources, soils, and geology, ranging from the forested areas around Avon to the rolling hills of Melrose to prairies of Belgrade to the granite quarries near Cold Spring. There are over 300 lakes, and the County borders the Mississippi River on the east. Agriculture leads the economy with a strong dairy and poultry production base. There are also several colleges including St. Cloud State University and College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University. Stearns County offers a unique blend of rural charm and growing communities, with beautiful lakes, abundant outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community spirit. It's a perfect place to raise a family, live an active lifestyle, and make a lasting difference for the environment.
Stearns SWCD work culture: We are mission driven team. We believe in hiring passionate and talented people, guiding them to succeed and providing resources needed to grow.
We offer: A commitment to maintain competitive wages and benefits; Mentorship from a diverse and award-winning team; Diversity: natural resources, land use, social, demographics, and political; A culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork; Opportunities for remote work when well-suited to the position, season and task.
Apply now by submitting to StearnsSWCD.HR@gmail.com (or the address listed below):
Letter of interest
Resume
Transcript(s)
Stearns County SWCD “Application for Employment”
Stearns County SWCD
Attn: Dennis Fuchs, Administrator
110 2nd Street South, Suite 128
Waite Park, Minnesota 56387
Application form available by visiting http://www.stearnscountyswcd.net or by calling 320-251-7800 ext. 3.
Application due by: October 14, 2024
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Work with planning and technical staff from partner SWCDs to develop preliminary and final designs for a variety of structural conservation practices in agricultural, wetland, streambank/shoreline, urban, and other areas.
Prepare preliminary engineering reports, pollution reduction estimates, cost estimates, final plans and specifications, construction supervision, and final certification of the completed project.
Ensure that all engineering designs adhere to the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (or other professional standard where appropriate).
Complete site surveys using GPS survey equipment.
Utilize CAD, GIS, and other applicable software to prepare engineering designs for all types of conservation practices.
Maintain records of all work and track the status of each project. Provide timely reports to the Area Engineer, partner SWCDs, and others.
All Staff Duties & Responsibilities
Follow all established policies and procedures as adopted by the SWCD Board and/or Management Team.
Promote and fulfill the mission and conservation philosophy of the SWCD.
Establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, partners, and clients.
Collaborate with team members, outside technical experts, and state/federal agency staff to efficiently deliver effective conservation programs.
Work independently in a variety of situations with a minimum of supervision.
Assist in developing annual plan of work, implement the plan, and track progress toward goals.
Accurately and comprehensively track and report work time. Prepare records and reports summarizing work accomplished.
Advance relevant skills by identifying and participating in appropriate training opportunities.
Deliver educational presentations to schools, units of government, and public service groups.
Regular and timely work attendance. Inform designated supervisor of planned work schedule and use of leave.
Other duties as assigned.
Job Description (pdf)
Application for Employment
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Stearns County SWCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The job posting can also be found here: www.stearnscountyswcd.net/careers
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