Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (N. Carolina)

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is hiring a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to implement the Working Lands for Wildlife project. This key role will be responsible for regional coordination, developing workshops, and providing engineering expertise for NRCS in North Carolina.

Suitable candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and become licensed as a Professional Engineer in North Carolina. Strong skills in hydrology and aquatic ecology are essential.

Qualifications

• 5 years of professional experience in a related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina or experience to obtain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of WLFW Aquatics Connectivity Framework.
• Lead development and implementation of multi-agency workshops.
• Provide engineering support for NRCS leadership.

Skills

Stream Restoration Certification

Hydrologic and hydraulic computer models

Rivermorph software

Project permitting

Aquatic ecology

Leadership on large projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

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. This position will serve as a key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in North Carolina, will be responsible for developing and implementing multi‑agency and NRCS workshops within the state, will engage in regional coordination aligned with broader program goals, and will serve as a key engineering resource for North Carolina NRCS state leadership.

Through the Farm Bill, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers who voluntarily undertake conservation practices on working lands. WLFW systematically targets conservation efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural landscapes while improving agricultural and forest productivity. Hellbenders face many threats from conventional agricultural practices that lead to loss of forested riparian habitat and degraded water quality from sedimentation and pollutants.

This high‑level staff position will be under the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), at the College of Engineering's School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering (ECAM). The successful incumbent(s) will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and designers at the University of Georgia who are engaged in collaborations between IRIS and the USDA, other universities, and private sector partners. These projects are highly specialized due to the incorporation of natural infrastructure systems and nature‑based solutions.

The successful incumbent will collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment and will lead, conceptualize and implement high‑quality and high‑impact engineering research and/or design projects through extensive knowledge and experience of environmental/civil engineering (or related discipline) for successful project delivery.

A successful applicant must be a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina or demonstrate sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure.

This position will be based out of North Carolina, in the Goldsboro area. Daily duties will be conducted remotely, in the NRCS field office, and on project sites throughout the area.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina or demonstrate 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 with taking lead/ownership of project permitting.
• Proficient knowledge of aquatic ecology and the ability to effectively integrate engineering principles with comprehensive understanding of aquatic resources as a whole.
• Skilled in leadership roles on large multi‑faced projects.

Physical Demands

• Standard for an office environment.
• Will drive to project sites regionally.
• Frequent travel within the region.
• Outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions.
• This position requires frequent field work involving moderate hiking in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Successful candidates should expect to work occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of private landowners as necessary and appropriate.

Additional Requirements

• Driving: Yes.
• Position of Trust: No.
• Operation, access, or control of financial resources: No.
• Requires a P‑Card: No.
• Has P‑Card an essential function: No.
• Direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care: No.
• Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No.

EEO Statement

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]).