Agricultural Engineer

Disclaimer: This is not a federal position. This role is offered through a partnership agreement and does not constitute an NRCS hiring action.

Description:

This position is a non-federal role funded through an existing agreement between NRCS and NEW Solutions. The enrollee will provide direct support to farmers and landowners, enabling the implementation of conservation practices on the ground. This role contributes to NRCS's mission by enhancing capacity in field offices and ensuring timely assistance to producers. It is designed to free up NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal staff.

This role helps ensure continued progress on conservation planning, practice implementation, and technical assistance, especially in high-demand or disaster-affected areas. It aligns with the Administration's priorities for farmer-first, field-facing, and partner-enabled capacity expansion.

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). These are experienced professionals who provide technical and professional assistance to the Department of Agriculture for the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program.

Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period, Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period.

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?ACES Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?ACES Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Minimum of 20 year(s) of experience in Wetland and Agricultural engineering to implement conservation practices on private lands. Microsoft Office and proficiency in Adobe Acrobat. Use of office automation equipment including scanner, and printer. Knowledge of computer internet security/ cyber security. Ability to understand maps, coordinate system and projections and basic GIS data, field application of GPS Photo Interpretation skills, basic letter writing and proficiency in written and verbal communications. Experience with implementation of conservation practices on private land. Experience with Survey grade engineering equipment and AutoCAD. OR BA/BS Degree in Engineering

• Must have an active Professional Engineer License. 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 may require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. May require the operation of a ATV/UTV on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. Skill in operating personal computer software, as well as simple programming (including word processing, spreadsheets, email, file transfers, internet, time keeping, and databases), in order to research, tabulate, and analyze economic data, prepare correspondence, finalize documents, and foster work improvement. Basic GIS certification, GPS training and proficiency. Possess practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of conservation as they relate to agricultural operations and of NRCS conservation standards and specifications to certify practices installed correctly. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Carry equipment and tools while conducting field work, routinely lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Failure to pass the background investigation will result in termination of employment.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, ARCVIEW (GIS)
• Outlook, MS Teams, MS Sharepoint, etc. working knowledge of ArcGIS, and CADD

Assist the State, Area and Field Offices with program support activities in the implementation of layout and designs of engineering practices.

• In consultation with the supervisor, develops designs and construction plans for traditional and complex projects that utilize engineering practices such as waterways grade stabilization structures, streambank protection, wetland restorations, animal waste control systems, and others using tools such as GPS survey grade units and Civil 3D CADD throughout the State. 30%
• Provide on-site consultation to field staff and contractors along with construction inspection services during construction of engineering practices throughout the State. 30%
• Complete field visits and checkouts related to Farm Bill funded conservation practices. Have knowledge of NRCS conservation standards and specifications in order to certify practices installed correctly throughout the State 20%
• Provide training on engineering equipment, software, and design tools to entry level staff throughout the State 20%

• Depending on assigned duties, On the Job and other NRCS provided trainings may be necessary to complete assigned duties.
• OJT, NRCS offered technical trainings
• Overnight travel: Optional occasionally depending on locations of site visits, meetings, and trainings.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Performs duties in a supportive manner of a safe and healthy work environment. Exercises caution and maintain all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The work requires regular and recurring exposure to operating agricultural equipment requiring safety precautions; protective gear and clothing are necessary at such times. There may be exposure to inclement weather, poisonous insects and animals, and irritating plants. The conservation work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, prolonged walking on rough terrain, crossing ditches and furrows, and/or climbing steep banks. Carry equipment and tools while conducting field work, routinely lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Required Safety Gear: Agency will provide the following items if needed: safety vest, hard hat.
• Safety Gear Use: NRCS will provide a cell phone for emergency calls that may arise in the field. Enrollee will provide the following items: Attire appropriate to field and weather conditions for working outside in Minnesota year-round, appropriate footwear for field and weather conditions for spending long hours outside in Minnesota year round.
• Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.