Natural Resources Engineer 3

State of Ohio; Chillicothe (OH); On-site; USD 84,032 - 119,954; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & vision insurance

Paid time off

Leaves: maternity/paternity/sick

Education opportunities

Public retirement plans

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Agriculture seeks a Conservation Engineer in Chillicothe, OH, to protect soil and water resources. You will perform field inspections, review construction plans, evaluate project impacts, and coordinate with landowners and producers.

You will partner with NRCS and FSA, deliver Ohio’s Technician Development Program training, assist with design and oversight of conservation practices, and help resolve pollution‑abatement cases.

Qualifications

• Certificate of registration as a professional engineer issued by a state licensing board.
• Minimum twelve months of experience as a natural resources engineer (designation 85742) or equivalent related engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Support conservation engineering projects to protect soil and water resources.
• Conduct field inspections, review construction plans, assess project impacts, and collaborate directly with private landowners and producers.
• Partner with NRCS and FSA to deliver conservation practices that improve environmental outcomes.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, correspondence, and respond to landowner inquiries with confidence and clarity.
• Deliver hands‑on training through Ohio’s Technician Development Program—helping grow the next generation of conservation professionals.
• Assist staff and partner organizations with conservation practice design, construction oversight, pollution abatement procedures, and water pollution problem analysis.
• Coordinate pollution abatement projects with local Soil & Water Conservation Districts; investigate and help resolve rule‑based agricultural pollution complaints.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Job description

Organization

Ohio Department of Agriculture

Primary Location

United States of America—Ohio—Ross County—Chillicothe

Compensation

Between $84,032 and $119,954 annually

Schedule

Full‑time; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Primary Job Skill

Civil Engineering

Agency Overview

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving natural resources, and supporting farmers. The department is a cabinet‑level agency reporting to the Governor. It protects farmland, improves soil and water quality, and ensures food safety through laboratory and regulatory programs.

Job Description

As a Conservation Engineer, you will work with the highest caliber of professionals to protect soil and water resources. Your responsibilities include field inspections, reviewing construction plans, evaluating project impacts, and collaborating with private landowners and producers. You will partner with the NRCS and FSA, deliver Ohio’s Technician Development Program training, assist with design and oversight of conservation practices, and coordinate pollution abatement projects with Soil and Water Conservation Districts. You will investigate and help resolve rule‑based agricultural pollution complaints.

Responsibilities

• Support conservation engineering projects to protect soil and water resources.
• Conduct field inspections, review construction plans, assess project impacts, and collaborate directly with private landowners and producers.
• Partner with NRCS and FSA to deliver conservation practices that improve environmental outcomes.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, correspondence, and respond to landowner inquiries with confidence and clarity.
• Deliver hands‑on training through Ohio’s Technician Development Program—helping grow the next generation of conservation professionals.
• Assist staff and partner organizations with conservation practice design, construction oversight, pollution abatement procedures, and water pollution problem analysis.
• Coordinate pollution abatement projects with local Soil & Water Conservation Districts; investigate and help resolve rule‑based agricultural pollution complaints.

Qualifications

• Certificate of registration as a professional engineer issued by a state licensing board.
• Minimum twelve months of experience as a natural resources engineer (designation 85742) or equivalent related engineering experience.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities (employee development funds, public service loan forgiveness, and more).
• Public retirement systems such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS; optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation).

Unusual Working Conditions

May be exposed to inclement weather, unsafe conditions during project inspections, and frequent contact with animals, manure, dust, and odors. Work may require walking long distances, climbing steep slopes, and navigating rough terrain.

Location

Ross County; 475 Western Ave, Ste H, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug‑Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace that prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). This position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39).

Contact

Paul Hengstenberg
[e-mail]