Engineering Associate - Soil Conservation (Perm/FT/Benefits)

Under general supervision of a designated supervisor, performs engineering activities, including drafting, design and computational work for agricultural Best Management Practices. May perform field inspections to assure compliance with plans, specifications and applicable standards in conjunction with immediate superior. To interpret eligibility of various USDA Farm Bill and State programs for cost-share assistance. Work is performed in the field or office, and involves close contact with engineers, contractors, government agencies, farmers and/or landowners. Perform outreach activities to promote soil conservation efforts on agricultural lands

Job Description:

Salary Range: $41,820.00-$111,539.00

BUDGETED SALARY: $55,000.00-$70,000.00

Location: 3525 Conowingo Rd, Suite 500, Street, MD 21154

Essential Duties:

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples, depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)

• Participates in surveying team to gather, interpret and process data from field run topographic surveys and analysis of aerial photography.  
• Performs intermediate drafting with computational and intermediate level design work in the preparation of plans and specifications for agricultural Best Management Practices. 
• Drafts existing topography and actual location of infrastructure; prepares cost estimates from preliminary construction plans.
• Provide support for USDA Farm Bill contract technical assistance and implementation.
• Participate in reviews and inspections of design and construction projects to ensure compliance with specifications and overall quality of the work.  Interpret State and local ordinances, rules, regulations and policies at a field level. 
•  Depending on the area of work, may be responsible for maintaining engineering files and records; such as, conservation plans, MD agricultural cost share files, USDA-NRCS contract information and construction plans.  To determine appropriate method of filing and labeling of records.
• May conduct preconstruction and final inspections for adherence to construction plans in conjunction with immediate supervisor.
• Prepare documents, drawings, photos and /or narratives related to the joint permitting process through MD Department of the Environment and Army Corps of Engineers.
• Prepares reports of operations as needed.
• Prepares maps, figures and reports using manual and computer-aided techniques; assists in preparation and drafting of design projects.
   

Years of Experience:
Three (3) years of experience in engineering, drafting and design work or soil conservation work. Experience with CAD and/or AutoCAD, ArcGIS, etc. is preferred.

Years of Supervisory Experience:

None

Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent

Additional education beyond high school in an agricultural, natural resources or engineering-related field may be substituted for the required experience at the rate of thirty (30) semester credit hours for each year of the required experience.  (This option requires submittal of college transcripts by selected candidate.)

Certifications, Licensures, and Examinations:

Possession of a valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Be advised this position requires a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of drafting materials, principles and techniques
• Knowledge of mathematics
• Ability to do drafting, entry level design work, and solve intermediate computational problems
• Ability to read, understand, and prepare engineering drawings and topographic maps.  
• Knowledge of survey methods and instruments, GIS, and/or CAD systems.  
• Knowledge and ability to use computers for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.  
• Knowledge of soil characteristics and an understanding of the Soil Survey or Web Soil Survey.  
• Ability to prepare reports including text, figure, and tables.  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with professionals, engineers, farmers, contractors, and the general public.  
• Perform field investigations, data collection, or inspectional work for compliance while standing for prolonged periods of time; to stoop, bend, kneel, or sit depending upon work assignment; must be able to work outside under adverse weather conditions; to drive a government vehicle while carrying out some assignments.  
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Safety:

Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manuals as required for this position.

Compensation:
Other compensation may include, but is not limited to:

• Overtime

• Compensatory time

• Shift Differentials

Benefits:

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts 

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation 

• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children

• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays

• Tuition Reimbursement