Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (Kentucky)

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Private Lands Engineer to support the Working Lands for Wildlife initiative. This role involves leading conservation engineering projects, collaborating with NRCS, and ensuring project success across multiple sites.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, at least 5 years of experience, and a strong background in hydrologic modeling and aquatic ecology. This is a full-time grant-funded position based primarily in Kentucky.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in environmental or civil engineering.
• Qualified to become licensed in Kentucky.
• Extensive knowledge in conservation engineering and aquatic resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of conservation engineering projects on private lands.
• Conduct fieldwork and oversee project design and evaluation.
• Provide technical oversight during construction.

Skills

Stream Restoration Certification

Hydrologic and hydraulic computer models expertise

Experience with Rivermorph software

Project permitting knowledge

Aquatic ecology understanding

Leadership on large projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Kentucky

Tools

AutoDesk Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

Total Station

Job description

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This project is a collaboration between UGA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program. The position will serve as a key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in Kentucky, will develop and implement multi‑agency and NRCS workshops within the state, engage in regional coordination aligned with broader program goals, and serve as a key engineering resource for Kentucky NRCS state leadership.

This high‑level staff position falls under the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), within the College of Engineering’s School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering (ECAM). The successful candidate will collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment, lead, conceptualize and implement high‑quality and high‑impact engineering research and/or design projects, and possess extensive knowledge and experience in environmental/civil engineering (or a related discipline). The role is based out of Kentucky, in the Elizabethtown area, with daily duties conducted remotely, in the NRCS field office, and on project sites throughout the region.

This is a grant‑funded position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the continuation of funding sources.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Kentucky or sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Stream Restoration Certification, equivalent to Wildland Hydrology Level III or higher
• Experience with leading the development and applications of hydrologic and hydraulic computer models using HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, SWMM
• Experience with Rivermorph software
• Experience taking lead/ownership of project permitting
• Proficient knowledge of aquatic ecology and ability to integrate engineering principles with a comprehensive understanding of aquatic resources
• Skilled in leadership roles on large multi‑faceted projects

Responsibilities

Engineering Design and Project Development

• Lead the design of conservation engineering projects on private lands in coordination with NRCS field offices; oversee engineering analyses (hydrologic and hydraulic modeling), develop design plans and specifications, and produce construction‑ready documents using AutoDesk Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, and other applicable software.
• Produce engineering designs and construct projects in dynamic aquatic systems (e.g., streambank stabilization, erosion control, livestock and vehicular stream crossings, culvert replacement, dam removal).
• Integrate engineering designs into NRCS conservation planning processes; coordinate with planners, biologists, and landowners to evaluate alternatives; ensure compliance with NRCS standards and specifications.

Field Surveys, Data Collection, and Site Assessment

• Lead and conduct fieldwork, overseeing and providing high‑level coordination of project design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Perform topographic and channel surveys using Total Station or similar equipment; collect site data (channel geometry, flow characteristics, substrate conditions); document existing conditions to inform design development.
• Provide leadership and oversight on field responsibilities requiring frequent travel, outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions, and direct interaction with landowners and NRCS staff.

Construction Support and Implementation Oversight

• Oversee and lead project implementation by providing technical oversight during construction, including layout and staking, troubleshooting field conditions, and verifying that practices are installed according to design intent and NRCS requirements.
• Serve as lead with project stakeholders, contractors and NRCS staff to ensure successful project delivery; oversee successful completion of construction and implementation deliverables as the Regional lead.

Technical Assistance, Coordination, and Program Oversight

• Provide technical expertise and coordination support to NRCS staff, interdisciplinary team members, and project partners; contribute engineering expertise to conservation planning discussions, lead practice selection and feasibility evaluations, and ensure communication and coordination with landowners.
• Collaborate and own shared processes with NRCS personnel and essential partners to ensure alignment with program priorities, maintain compliance with project tracking and documentation, and oversee overall program delivery across priority watersheds.

Additional Information

Salary: $80,000–$90,000 based on experience/credentials.

Location: Outside Georgia; based in Kentucky, Elizabethtown area.

Work Schedule: Full time, 40 hours per week. Daily duties conducted remotely, in the NRCS field office, and on project sites throughout the area.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).