Engineer - Conservation District

The Engineer – Conservation district position is responsible for providing professional engineering services related to conservation of soil and water resources, and the implementation of environmental regulatory and natural resource management programs in the County of Northampton. This is soil and water resource, watershed, and agriculture conservation work at the full performance level.

This position reports directly to the County Conservation Manager.

This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.

Conducts detailed engineering review, analysis, and preparation of reports and recommendations on Post Construction Stormwater Management plans submitted to the Conservation District. Review involves general to complex engineering problems in hydrology and hydraulic design of facilities to assure adequacy and conformance with Chapter 102 and Act 167 stormwater management regulations, policies, and guidelines.

Utilizes both conventional and recently developed methods in hydraulic and hydrologic analyses, synthetic and non-synthetic hydraulics, computer modeling, open channel and structural hydraulics.

Utilizes Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) review checklists and develops plan review letters for applicants and their consultants. Meets with applicants and their consultants to provide technical guidance, and assistance to resolve technical issues. Performs site visits as necessary to complete plan reviews.

Conducts engineering reviews of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans using current policies and procedures, including Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual. Review includes hydrological and hydraulic computations, design and installation of best management practices, stabilization measures, construction techniques, materials specifications, soils, and agronomic considerations. Provides technical assistance to District staff in erosion and sediment control and stormwater management for permitted and non-permitted sites.

Provides technical engineering services as required for the design and construction of agricultural best management practices using National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data. Verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections as appropriate, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, email and/or other software.

Performs inspections of agricultural, construction, and restoration sites for compliance with designed and/or approved documents and applicable regulations. Documents site conditions and prepares inspection reports. Takes photographs and/or video to document site conditions.

Performs site inspections of complaints, and prepares necessary reports, correspondence, and/or log entries as required as follow-up to inspections.

Interprets and enforces the provisions of applicable Federal, State, and local codes, laws, rules, and regulations. Initiates actions necessary to correct deviations or violations. Provides a deposition and/or testifies in Court on enforcement cases as needed.

Trains and informs the general public, government officials, engineering groups, and other interested parties on stormwater management principles, and erosion control procedures through workshops or other media.

Establishes and maintains a good working relationship with other local, State, and Federal agencies having regulatory and management programs that overlap the Conservation District.

Promotes stormwater management on a regional watershed basis, and develops new stormwater management initiatives. Provides technical assistance in developing Act 167 stormwater management plans, and reviewing municipal stormwater ordinances. Reviews applicable proposed regulations or legislation.

Designs and implements watershed restoration and agricultural conservation projects in coordination with other Conservation District staff.

Communicates via telephone or two-way radio. Provides information and assistance, takes and relays messages, and responds to requests for service or technical assistance.

Communicates with supervisor, Conservation District employees, other governmental departments, board members, officials, property owners, developers, complainants, students, biologists, geologists, consultants, plan designers, attorneys, cooperating agencies, community organizations, the public, the media, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, and/or resolve problems.

Maintains a comprehensive and current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations. Maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession. Reads professional literature, maintains professional affiliations, and attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, complaints, plan reviews, inspection reports, program evaluations, statistical analyses, studies, technical reports, or other documents in a timely manner.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, plans, general permits, technical requests, letters of intent, laboratory and geophysical reports, field guides, soil changes, soil surveys, maps, tax maps, photographs, bulletins, studies, newspaper articles, manuals, publications, catalogs, lists, codes, regulations, standards, specifications, guidelines, directories, reference materials, or other documentation to review, complete, process, forward, and/or retain as appropriate.

Attends regularly scheduled training sessions, conferences, and meetings as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field; AND

At least (3) years of full-time professional work experience in natural resource conservation and stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, best management practices and grading for the land development process; AND

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record; AND

Employee assigned to this title possess a current Professional Engineer license in Pennsylvania.

Ability to analyze structures, and possess the knowledge of means and methods of construction, and theory of hydraulic structures such as bridges, culverts, stream enclosures, energy dissipating devices, detention and infiltration basins, and flood control projects.

Ability to read and interpret aerial photographs and mapping.

Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, and/or sort data and information. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data. Ability to classify, computer, tabulate and categorize data.

Ability to persuade, convince, sell, and train others including the ability to act in a lead capacity. Skill in working with the public. Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to utilize design data and information such as administrative procedures manuals, technical manuals, engineering manuals, construction standards, and specifications. Knowledge of computer word processing, spreadsheet, database and GIS software and ability to operate computers.

Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas. Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports, and formulation and equation data. Must possess mathematical knowledge and ability to accurately prepare cost estimated, bids and other related financial data.

Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory or judgmental criteria.

Ability to function independently, have flexibility and personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers, and others.

Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers, CAD system, and other field engineering equipment.

Ability to work on large projects and to interact effectively with supervisor, District employees, property owners, outside agencies, County officials, etc.

Must possess a thorough knowledge of the engineering skills, practices, and methods needed to carry out quality conservation programs. Knowledge and understanding of hydrology, topography, and soils is required.

Must possess knowledge of current deferral, state, and local laws affecting conservation and agricultural areas.

Skill in reading, interpreting and preparing site plans, elevations, construction drawings and specifications.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing, spreadsheet, and specialized software such as GIS, AutoCad, etc.), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder. Variety of machinery and equipment such as camera, video camera, planimeter, clinometer, stereoscope, soil probe, carpentry tools, tape measure, protractor, engineer’s scale, and drafting instruments.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and drive intermittently throughout the work day with occasional kneeling, twisting, stooping, bending, and climbing to carry out job duties. Must be able to see with close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is normally indoors with exposure of average indoor levels of noise, dust, temperature variations, ventilation, and light with frequent interruptions. When in the field employee will encounter loud conditions for moderate periods of time. Must be able to tolerate dusty, wet, hot, cold, and humid conditions around heavy equipment. May be periodically required to attend trainings and seminars with overnight travel needed.

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

Updated May 2023