State Conservation Engineer

Natural Resources Conservation Service•Warwick, RI

About The Position

This position is located in the USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rhode Island State Office, and reports to the State Conservationist. The State Conservation Engineer provides staff leadership for NRCS engineering programs in Rhode Island, including engineering standards and specifications, planning, design, and construction. The role analyzes engineering work and training needs and recommends training and placement for engineering personnel. The position develops and recommends state technical policies and procedures for structural and mechanical practices addressing floodwater protection, soil erosion, animal waste control, water quality, and ground- and surface-water conservation. It also reviews engineering materials for their suitability to local conditions and shares applicable materials with field engineers. The work takes place in office and outdoor settings, and the position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience outside Federal service.
Meet the engineering basic requirement through an acceptable engineering degree, an eligible combination of education and experience, professional registration or licensure, a qualifying written examination, specified academic coursework, or an acceptable related curriculum with qualifying engineering experience.
Maintain a current professional engineering license in the state where the incumbent is working.
Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; a National Agency Check and Inquiry and credit report may be required.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated for the duties.
Submit Confidential Financial Disclosure Report Form OGE-450 within 30 days of initial appointment and annually thereafter.
Serve a one-year probationary period, subject to the stated conditions; a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period also applies unless prior service is creditable.
New FPAC supervisors must complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
Submit transcripts and, where applicable, foreign education verification and English translation if qualifying based on education.

Responsibilities

Provide staff leadership in all phases of civil and/or agricultural engineering.
Formulate standards and specifications and oversee engineering planning, design, and construction.
Analyze engineering work and training needs and recommend training and placement of engineering personnel.
Formulate and recommend state technical policies and procedures for structural and mechanical practices related to floodwater protection, soil erosion, animal waste control, water quality, and ground- and surface-water conservation.
Review engineering materials for suitability to local situations and disseminate applicable materials to field engineers.
Analyze subordinate technical staff's engineering work and training needs.
Review draft work plans and project measures for adequacy of engineering aspects.
Prepare specifications and guidelines for planning, design, and construction of structural practices in organizational programs.
Train field engineers in engineering standards and procedures.
Lead engineering activities, including developing engineering plans, coordinating designs, and managing construction engineering practices.