Conservation Engineer

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

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 15 year(s) of experience in Civil engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering OR BA/BS Degree in Civil engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering

• Valid State Driver?s License.
• Use of laser level or other survey units to complete surveys; design with either AutoCAD or hand drawn; ability to communicate with producers, staff and contractors about designs, standards and specifications, implementation along with operation and maintenance.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
• GIS, EFH2, AWM, FOTG, surveying software, procedures and AutoCAD Civil 3D software.

The position will assist the State Conservation Engineer and other staff in development of engineering designs, site investigations, inventory and evaluation planning, state standards, specifications, engineering tools, typical drawings, guidance documents, checklists, training presentations and operating procedures that assist field staff with delivery of programs. The incumbent will assist with providing field training to field staff and partners on NRCS engineering techniques, policy, and procedures, assist with project spot checks, training and outreach associated with NRCS programs and technical services.

• Assist development of designs, I&E, state standards, specifications, engineering tools, typical drawings, guidance documents, checklists, training presentations and operating procedures. 40%
• Assist with development and delivery of in field and virtual training to NRCS field staff, customers, TSPs and partners on NRCS engineering techniques, policy and procedures. 20%
• Assist with project spot checks, training, design review, design guidance and outreach associated with NRCS programs and technical services. Assist with program monthly reporting. 20%
• Work with, meet with, assist to organize and coordinate ad hoc work groups for development of technical materials, standard revisions, and tool revisions. Other duties as assigned. 10%
• Self-directed research of current industry standards, methods, and procedures. Will inform SCE, and ad hoc work groups on findings and assisting with incorporating findings into the development of documents and materials. 10%

• Travel Requirements: Site visits, fieldwork, use of a GOV. On occasion to attend meetings and for field visits, GOV will be provided as necessary and availability.
• Overnight travel: Seldom.
• Required Safety Gear: During construction inspection work: hard hat, composite/or steel toed shoes, safety vest.
• Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.