Civil/Agricultural Engineer

The King Conservation District is seeking a qualified candidate to perform as a Civil/Agricultural Engineer.

Position Overview:

This position provides engineering services on the behalf of the King Conservation District to landowners and small farmers throughout King County. The Conservation District is located in Renton, WA. Working in the field approximately 50% of the time, this employee must be flexible, posses strong written and verbal communication skills, be able to work independently, and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Establish partnerships with a wide range of conservation professionals, e.g., the King County Agricultural Drainage Assistance Program (ADAP) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in assisting rural landowners and farmers in ditching and dredging maintenance to protect fisheries and water quality resources.

Coordinate conservation services with other District staff, other engineering professionals, contractors, and landowners in support of the implementation of conservation plans and practices. Examples of the types of projects this professional will be responsible for managing include CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program), and the BASE (Best Applicable Science and Engineering) Initiative.

Responsibilities:

The following list represents some of the duties that are routinely performed by the District's engineer:

• Operate as the principal in managing engineering related projects to include design, budget preparation, ensure that applicable regulatory permits are secured, oversee projects through to implementation, manage budgetary obligations, evaluate and assess the outcome/results of the projects, prepare final reports and assessment documentation;
• Conduct construction evaluations to ensure project specifications are met and in accordance with structural and regulatory standards;
• Manage the work of other engineers, contractors, and conservation professionals and direct the progress of the project to achieve District standards/goals;
• Perform field assessments and surveys of drainage ditches and structural projects such as water and waste storage ponds and underground water mainlines on agricultural lands;
• Respond to and evaluate field problems and develop an action plan for how the District will assist the landowner in resolving the problems;
• Evaluate and the ability to develop alternative solutions and perform the analysis needed to produce projects that resolve problems and contribute to overall environmental goals;
• Develop interactive partnerships with other industry related organizations, conservation organizations, governmental entities, and elected officials;
• Work collaboratively with a very diverse population, using educational concepts and values along with persuasive skills to present information to non-technical audiences;
• Share a vision and passion for valuing the importance of environment and conservation;
• Emphasize project management/budget management, water resources management,

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in civil, environmental, or agricultural engineering;
• 4 years or progressively responsible experience in managing engineering projects specific to environmental, agriculture, stream/waterway, or fisheries;
• Comfortable using computer programs such as Auto CAD and Arc View, prior experience interpreting maps and serial photographs is highly desirable;
• Extensive experience working collaboratively with several stakeholders reflective of a very diverse population and a demonstrated ability to work as a part of a team;
• A wide range of experience working closely with stream and habitat restoration projects;
• Knowledge of current agricultural land use practices and working knowledge of fisheries, geology, and hydrology;
• Must possess an engineering license within the State of Washington or be able to secure that license within 6 months of employment.

Key Essential Functions:

• Work under tight deadlines, manage conflicting demands, while successfully operating in an ever-changing work environment
• Must be willing to an occasional weekend and/or evening
• Must be able to travel to various locations throughout the state and county
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License
• Must be able to consistently apply appropriate safety practices

Compensation: The current annual salary for this position is $55,200 to $79,987 and contains 10 salary steps with salary placement based on an applicant's education and work experience. In addition, the position is currently being reviewed for a change in classification and compensation.

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and long term disability paid at 100% of the cost for the employee and an opportunity to participate in the State of Washington's Retirement System.

Deadline: All Resumes and Letters of Interest Must Be Submitted No Later Than 5:00 P.M. on Friday, May 1, 2009.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and a letter of interest outlining your job skills and qualifications for this position.