Conservation Engineering Technician

Job Description

Job Description

The purpose of this position is to provide engineering assistance to Soil and Water Conservation Districts that are members of Area 3 Technical Service Area (TSA) in northeast Minnesota. Engineering assistance involves the evaluation, design, and construction of eligible best management practices that protect and conserve water and soil resources. Workload will be an even mix during field season of field survey, assessment, and construction oversight, in tandem with office-based design, modeling, and project management. Winter workload focuses more on drafting, design, modeling, and project management.

Closing Date: October 30, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide field assessment and conduct topographical surveys for the planning and design of best management practices and structural conservation projects.

2. Utilize sound ecological and engineering principles, design standards, and methods to prepare final project designs and associated construction plans under the supervision of the TSA3 Engineer.

3. Assist with the development of hydrologic & hydraulic models, technical reports, specifications, and cost estimates.

4. Oversee construction of best management practices and structural conservation projects.

5. Communicate project expectations with landowners, contractors, and other project stakeholders.

6. Assist area staff with various field work as needs arise.

7. Other duties as assigned.

Location: Duluth, Minnesota

Work Area: Northeastern Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Kanabec, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis Counties.

Employment Conditions: Full-time. There will be a six-month probationary period.

Salary: Starting range: $48,000 - $65,000 per year.

Benefits: Health And Dental Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, Retirement, and Minnesota Deferred Compensation Program.

Extensive Travel Required Throughout Northeastern Minnesota.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Natural Resources Management related field.

• Strong computer skills that include the ability to work with Microsoft Office, G Suite, and GIS systems.

• A desire to become proficient with surveying, computer-aided design and drafting software,

drone piloting, and construction site observations.

• Must be willing to work long hours in varied conditions and terrain. Must be willing to stay

overnight and travel on limited duration trips throughout Northeast Minnesota. Must be

willing and able to carry 50 lbs. over uneven terrain.

• Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less

than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license.

• Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier

materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even

though the weights lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require

walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree

of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Desired Qualifications:

• The position holder should hold an B.S. Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering or an

A.A.S. degree in Civil Engineering Technology or equivalent.

• Knowledge and experience with the use of computer-aided design and drafting software

(AutoCAD), Auto CAD Civil 3D, and GPS and total station surveying equipment

required.

• Sound knowledge of the current principles and practices of engineering required. Desired

areas of expertise include hydrology, hydraulics, surveying, agronomy, geology, soil science,

soil mechanics, forestry, treatment structures, and related sciences.

• Knowledge of construction site sediment and erosion control; lakeshore, stream bank,

and roadside stabilization; urban conservation issues; storm water management; feedlot

pollution abatement; and other agronomic conservation practices are highly desirable.

• Effective oral communication, written communication, computer, and problem-solving

skills.

• Ability to work with HEC RAS, digital/paper maps, and physical filing and record

systems.

• Familiarity with stream geomorphology and stream restoration and analysis.

Please include a copy of your DD214 if you are applying for Veteran’s preference points.

The Area 3 SWCD Technical Service Area and South St. Louis SWCD are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In

compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SWCD will provide reasonable accommodations to

qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Local government agency working with Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Company Description

Local government agency working with Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts