Environmental Engineer - Middle Cedar Watershed

State of Iowa • State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is seeking an Environmental Engineer for the Field Services Bureau. This position will be responsible for edge-of-field infrastructure field survey work, practice design, construction observation, and technical training of field staff within the Middle Cedar Watershed (Franklin, Butler, Grundy, Black Hawk, Tama, Benton or Linn County). The role involves providing engineering and technical support for conservation practices and programs funded by the Iowa Water Quality Initiative and Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of IDALS Environmental Engineer Seniors.

Requirements

• Possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one.
• Must possess a degree in engineering.
• 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Environmental Engineering (concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings).
• OR 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Civil Engineering (including Survey crew, Construction inspector, or Professional civil engineer).
• Must be able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications.
• OR 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Agricultural Engineering (including machinery and power systems, structural design, mechanical analysis or ventilation, and climate control).
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, Biomedical, or Public Health Engineering; OR Licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners.

Nice To Haves

• Travel as part of the regular job duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform field survey work and associated site assessments to verify site suitability and in preparation of practice installation.
• Attend meetings with landowners, technicians, and engineers to review preliminary design to ensure specifications are met.
• Provide quality assurance and quality control with respect to project plans and specifications furnished to IDALS by engineering consultants.
• Assist with development and submittal of information needed for various permits, including US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 and DNR Floodplain and Water Storage permits. This includes cultural resources assessments needed to expedite permitting processes and potential modification of designs depending on potential findings.
• Assist with review of construction bidding and contracting documents, attend pre-bid meetings and bid openings associated with water quality consulting engineer pay requests.
• Perform periodic site visits during construction and assist with processing of contractor and consulting engineer pay requests.
• Provide review of other edge-of-field practices and provide technical assistance to watershed coordinators and environmental specialists, and technicians who are collecting field data for those projects.
• Visit completed sites in need of repairs or non-routine maintenance. Work with landowner and contractor to recommend appropriate remedy and ensure work is completed correctly.
• Provide training and guidance to technicians, SWCD employees, and environmental specialists on field data collection and survey techniques necessary for design and installation of water quality infrastructure practices infrastructure projects supported by IDALS.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively and efficiently with IDALS and Partner Agency staff on a regular basis with regards to progress, issues, suggestions for improvement and other items as needed in support of the position duties and work priorities.
• Participate in bureau staff meetings and communicate regularly with DSCWQ staff to provide work duties task updates and other duties as appropriate.
• Provide regional basin coordinators, field representatives, and DSCWQ staff with written communication of requests for assistance, and issues with completion of tasks as appropriate.
• Assume shared responsibility for ongoing commitment and positive reinforcement among project coordinators and other IDALS staff.

Benefits

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
• Dental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost
• Voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost
• Long term disability insurance at no cost
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
• Deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave

What This Job Offers

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