Civil/Agricultural Engineer

NEW Solutions • East Lansing, MI

13d • Onsite

About The 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.

Requirements

• Minimum of 20 year(s) of experience in Conservation and Agricultural engineering to implement conservation practices on private lands.
• Experience with engineering design software (including Civil3D, AutoCAD, and spreadsheet programs), survey grade engineering equipment, and using design standards and specifications.
• 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 engineering skills, basic proficiency in written and verbal communications.
• OR MA/MS Degree in Civil or Agricultural 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 an 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 data, prepare correspondence, finalize documents, and foster work improvement.
• 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.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint Outlook, MS Teams, MS Sharepoint, etc.
• Working knowledge of AutoCADD Civil 3D

Responsibilities

• Assist the Area and Field Offices with program support activities in the implementation of engineering practices.
• 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, agrichemical handling facilities, livestock watering systems, and others using tools such as GPS survey grade units and Civil 3D throughout the Area.
• Provide on-site consultation to field staff and contractors along with construction inspection services during construction of engineering practices throughout the Area.
• Provide training on engineering design tools to entry level staff throughout the Area.
• 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 Area.
• OJT, NRCS offered technical trainings

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level