Conservation Engineer (Natural Resources Engineer 3)

Ohio Department of Agriculture; Findlay (OH); On-site; USD 56,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio Department of Agriculture is seeking an engineering specialist to support Soil and Water Conservation Districts across a 20-county region in Ohio. The role provides technical guidance, reviews plans for compliance, and ensures alignment with the Field Office Technical Guide and state/federal requirements.

The position involves training SWCD staff on conservation practices, water quality, and pollution control.

Qualifications

• Certificate of registration as professional engineer issued by State Licensing Board.
• 12 mos. exp. as Natural Resources Engineer 2, 85742 or 12 mos. equivalent related engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the engineering specialist supporting Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across a 20-county area.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to SWCD staff on conservation projects and practices.
• Review engineering plans, designs, and specifications for accuracy, compliance, and sound engineering practices.
• Ensure projects comply with the Field Office Technical Guide and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Assign technical job approval levels to SWCD staff based on demonstrated engineering skills and proficiency.
• Develop and deliver engineering and technical training for SWCD staff.
• Provide training on agricultural and urban best management practices, including water pollution control, manure management, and stream restoration.
• Oversee the design and construction of specialized conservation practices and recommend modifications when needed.
• Develop and update engineering standards, specifications, and technical documentation for new conservation technologies and best management practices.
• Investigate agricultural pollution concerns and recommend appropriate engineering solutions.
• Review plans for agricultural pollution control facilities requiring state permits.
• Conduct field investigations and provide on-site engineering assistance for conservation and water-quality projects.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizing and Planning

Results Oriented

Relationship Building

Education

Professional Engineer certificate

Tools

Agriculture

Natural Resources

Civil Engineering

Job description

• Serve as the engineering specialist supporting Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across a 20-county area.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to SWCD staff on conservation projects and practices.
• Review engineering plans, designs, and specifications for accuracy, compliance, and sound engineering practices.
• Ensure projects comply with the Field Office Technical Guide and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Assign technical job approval levels to SWCD staff based on demonstrated engineering skills and proficiency.
• Develop and deliver engineering and technical training for SWCD staff.
• Provide training on agricultural and urban best management practices, including water pollution control, manure management, and stream restoration.
• Oversee the design and construction of specialized conservation practices and recommend modifications when needed.
• Develop and update engineering standards, specifications, and technical documentation for new conservation technologies and best management practices.
• Investigate agricultural pollution concerns and recommend appropriate engineering solutions.
• Review plans for agricultural pollution control facilities requiring state permits.
• Conduct field investigations and provide on-site engineering assistance for conservation and water-quality projects.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the engineering specialist supporting Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across a 20-county area.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to SWCD staff on conservation projects and practices.
• Review engineering plans, designs, and specifications for accuracy, compliance, and sound engineering practices.
• Ensure projects comply with the Field Office Technical Guide and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Assign technical job approval levels to SWCD staff based on demonstrated engineering skills and proficiency.
• Develop and deliver engineering and technical training for SWCD staff.
• Provide training on agricultural and urban best management practices, including water pollution control, manure management, and stream restoration.
• Oversee the design and construction of specialized conservation practices and recommend modifications when needed.
• Develop and update engineering standards, specifications, and technical documentation for new conservation technologies and best management practices.
• Investigate agricultural pollution concerns and recommend appropriate engineering solutions.
• Review plans for agricultural pollution control facilities requiring state permits.
• Conduct field investigations and provide on-site engineering assistance for conservation and water-quality projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certificate of registration as professional engineer issued by State Licensing Board.
• 12 mos. exp. as Natural Resources Engineer 2, 85742 or 12 mos. equivalent related engineering experience.

Agriculture

Agency Contact Name and Information

Paul Hengstenberg - [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Sep 28, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

AGRI Hanc

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Hancock County-Findlay

Compensation

$40.40 - $57.67

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

M-F, 8-5pm

Classified Indicator

Classified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Civil Engineering

Technical Skills

Agriculture, Engineering, Natural Resources, Civil Engineering

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Establishing Relationships, Organizing and Planning, Results Oriented

Agency Overview

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.Competitive Salary: $84,032 - $119,954 annually

Who We Are

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy! As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.