Job Description
Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division Soil , Water Conservation Job Classification Title Engineering Specialist I (S) Position Number 65041643 Grade NC13 About Us The N.Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. Description of Work This is a time-limited full-time position. Position currently qualifies for a telework option. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management. 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: Agricultural Cost Share Program • Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program • Community Conservation Assistance Program • Disaster Response Programs Key Responsibilities: Engineering Support & Design Assistance o 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. o Collect and process engineering survey data and assist with CAD design work. o Identify and communicate field discrepancies and review project designs for compliance, preparing technical notes or revisions as needed. o Oversee activities such as grading, pipe and culvert installation, drainage structures, and embankment pond construction. o Provide on-site guidance and sound decision-making. Technical Support o 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 Recruitment Range: $50,088 - $82,000 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 read, interpret, and explain construction plans, contract provisions, specifications, and inspection procedures, and related documents/communications. Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience. Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position. Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.