Engineering Specialist I

Engineering Specialist I (S)

The Division of Soil and Water Conservation is seeking a motivated Engineering Specialist I to support the design, construction, and implementation of conservation and disaster response engineering practices across North Carolina. This role is part of the Division's Engineering Services Section, which provides technical assistance to Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local governments, and landowners to protect soil resources, enhance water quality, and improve community resilience. The Engineering Specialist I plays a key role in accelerating the delivery of conservation practices and supporting statewide recovery efforts after natural disasters. Working alongside licensed engineers, the Specialist assists with developing design alternatives, collecting and processing engineering survey data, preparing CAD drawings, reviewing project plans, and ensuring that construction activities comply with approved designs, conservation standards, and program policies. This position also supports the implementation of multiple cost-share programs, including the Agricultural Cost Share Program, Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program, Community Conservation Assistance Program, and Disaster Response Programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engineering Support & Design Assistance: Support engineers in developing design alternatives for conservation practices such as waste storage structures, irrigation systems, erosion control measures, embankment ponds, and other agricultural BMPs. Collect and process engineering survey data and assist with CAD design work. Identify and communicate field discrepancies and review project designs for compliance, preparing technical notes or revisions as needed.
• Construction Oversight: Monitor construction to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and permits. Oversee activities such as grading, pipe and culvert installation, drainage structures, and embankment pond construction. Provide on-site guidance and sound decision-making.
• Technical Support: The role provides technical support through site evaluations and emergency response, delivers training to district staff and partners, supports program committees and outreach events, and completes required administrative reporting. This position may require occasional after-hours work to address emergencies, such as flooding, drainage issues, or inspections of livestock waste management facilities. Normal work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. While the duty station is in Buncombe County, the role involves occasional travel and work across the state.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences:

• Thorough knowledge of surveying and materials, methods, and equipment used in construction.
• Skill in design drafting utilizing Computer Aided Design
• Working knowledge of NRCS Technical Guides, agronomy, soils, and/or various federal, state, and local laws and regulations as applied to agricultural and confined animal operations.
• Ability to assist in the development of design alternatives and recommendations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain construction plans, contract provisions, specifications, and inspection procedures, and related documents/communications.

Recruitment Range: $50,088 - $82,000

Minimum Education and Experience: Associate's degree in an applicable area of engineering technology from an appropriately accredited institution and six (6) years of progressive technician experience; or High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and eight (8) years of progressive technician experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement: The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.