Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (N. Carolina)

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is looking for a Private Lands Engineer to support the Working Lands for Wildlife initiative. This role involves engineering design, project management, and coordination with NRCS staff to implement conservation projects across North Carolina.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and five years of related experience, preferably hold a PE license, and be prepared for both office and field work in various conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of conservation engineering projects on private lands.
• Conduct field surveys and site assessments.
• Provide construction oversight and ensure project compliance.

Skills

Engineering design

Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling

AutoDesk Civil 3D

Fieldwork and data collection

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Total Station

HEC-RAS

Job description

Position Summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This position, under the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), will serve as a key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in North Carolina. Responsibilities include developing and implementing multi‑agency and NRCS workshops, engaging in regional coordination aligned with broader program goals, and serving as a key engineering resource for North Carolina NRCS state leadership. The role is grant‑funded; continuation of employment is contingent upon continued funding. The position will be based in the Goldsboro, North Carolina area, with duties performed remotely, at the NRCS field office, and at project sites throughout the region.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina or sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure

Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering Design and Project Development

• Lead the design of conservation engineering projects on private lands in coordination with NRCS field offices. Responsibilities include overseeing and conducting engineering analyses (hydrologic and hydraulic modeling), developing design plans and specifications, and producing construction‑ready documents using AutoDesk Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, and other applicable software.
• Produce engineering designs and successfully construct projects in dynamic aquatic systems such as streambank stabilization, erosion control, livestock and vehicular stream crossings, culvert replacement, and dam removal.

Field Surveys, Data Collection, and Site Assessment

• Lead and conduct fieldwork, overseeing and providing high‑level coordination of project design, implementation, and evaluation. Leads topographic and channel surveys using Total Station or similar equipment; collects site data and documents existing conditions to inform design development.
• Provide leadership and oversight for field responsibilities requiring frequent travel, outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions, and 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 the regional lead with project stakeholders, contractors and NRCS staff to ensure successful project delivery and completion of construction and implementation deliverables.

Technical Assistance, Coordination, and Program Oversight

• Oversee 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, compliance with project tracking and documentation, and oversee overall program delivery across priority watersheds.

Physical Demands

• Standard for an office environment.
• Drive to project sites regionally; frequent travel within the region.
• Outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions; moderate hiking in all seasons.
• May require occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate private landowner schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, 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.