Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (Kentucky)

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This project is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. This position will serve as a key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in Kentucky, will be responsible for developing and implementing multi agency and NRCS workshops within the state, will engage in regional coordination aligned with broader program goals, and will serve as a key engineering resource for Kentucky NRCS state leadership.

Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hellbenders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

This high-level Staff position will be under the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), at the College of Engineering’s School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering (ECAM). The successful incumbent(s) will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and designers at the University of Georgia who are engaged in collaborations between IRIS and the USDA, other universities, and private sector partners. These projects are highly specialized due to the incorporation of natural infrastructure systems and nature-based solutions.

The successful incumbent will collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment and will lead, conceptualize and implement high-quality and high-impact engineering research and/or design projects through extensive knowledge and experience of environmental/civil engineering (or related discipline) for successful project delivery.

A successful applicant must be a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky or demonstrate sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure.

This position will be based out of Kentucky, in the Elizabethtown area. Daily duties will be conducted remotely, in the NRCS field office, and on project sites throughout the area.

This is a grant-funded position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the continuation of funding sources.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Stream Restoration Certification, equivalent to Wildland Hydrology Level III or higher
• Experience with leading the development and applications of hydrologic and hydraulic computer models using HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM
• Experience with Rivermorph software
• Experience with taking lead/ownership of project permitting
• Proficient knowledge of aquatic ecology and the ability to effectively integrate engineering principles with comprehensive understanding of aquatic resources as a whole
• Skilled in leadership roles on large multi-faceted projects.

Physical Demands

• Standard for an office environment.
• Will drive to project sites regionally.
• Frequent travel within the region
• Outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions
• This position requires frequent field work involving moderate hiking in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Successful candidates should expect to work occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of private landowners as necessary and appropriate.

Duties/Responsibilities

Engineering Design and Project Development (45%)

Lead the design of conservation engineering projects on private lands in coordination with NRCS field offices. Responsibilities include overseeing and conducting engineering analyses (hydrologic and hydraulic modeling), developing design plans and specifications, and producing construction-ready documents using AutoDesk Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, and other applicable software. Projects may include streambank stabilization, erosion control, livestock and vehicular stream crossings, culvert replacement for aquatic organism passage, and dam removal.

Will lead the production of engineering designs and successfully construct projects in dynamic aquatic systems (e.g., streambank stabilization, erosion control, livestock and vehicular stream crossing, culvert replacement, dam removal).

This position will oversee and lead integrating engineering designs into NRCS conservation planning processes; coordinating with planners, biologists, and landowners to evaluate alternatives; and ensuring compliance with NRCS standards, specifications, and job approval authority requirements.

Field Surveys, Data Collection, and Site Assessment (25%)

Lead and conduct fieldwork, overseeing and providing high-level coordination of project design, implementation, and evaluation. This includes taking lead on performing topographic and channel surveys using Total Station or similar equipment; collecting site data (e.g., channel geometry, flow characteristics, substrate conditions); and documenting existing conditions to inform design development.

Leadership and oversight on field responsibilities which requires frequent travel, outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions, and direct interaction with landowners and NRCS staff.

Construction Support and Implementation Oversight (15%)

Oversee and lead project implementation by providing technical oversight during construction, including layout and staking, troubleshooting field conditions, and verifying that practices are installed according to design intent and NRCS requirements. Will lead this charge and serve as the subject matter expert in that region.

Will serve as lead with project stakeholders, contractors and NRCS staff to ensure successful project delivery. Will oversee and ensure successful completion of construction and implementation deliverables, serving as the Regional lead.

Technical Assistance, Coordination, and Program Oversight (15%)

Oversee technical expertise and coordination support to NRCS staff, interdisciplinary team members, and project partners. This includes contributing engineering expertise to conservation planning discussions, leading practice selection and feasibility evaluations, and ensuring communication and coordination with landowners.

Collaborate and own shared processes with NRCS personnel and essential partners to ensure alignment with program priorities, ensuring compliance with project tracking and documentation, and overseeing overall program delivery across priority watersheds.