Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (Virginia)

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

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support the Working Lands for Wildlife Aquatics Connectivity Framework. This role involves engineering design, project development, and coordination while focusing on conservation engineering in Virginia.

The successful candidate will ensure compliance, conduct field surveys, and provide technical support. A Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience are required, with additional qualifications preferred. The role involves frequent travel and outdoor work under variable conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of professional experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) preferred.
• Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic models.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of conservation engineering projects.
• Conduct fieldwork and site assessments.
• Provide technical oversight during construction.

Skills

Stream restoration certification

Hydrologic and hydraulic computer models

Proficient knowledge of aquatic ecology

Leadership on large multi-faceted projects

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

AutoDesk Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

Rivermorph

Job description

Private Lands Engineer – IRIS (Virginia)

Position Summary: The University of Georgia is seeking an experienced Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife Aquatics Connectivity Framework. The incumbent will serve as a key implementation lead and primary point of contact for the Regional WLFW Southern Waters Framework in Virginia, focusing on engineering design, workshop facilitation, regional coordination, and technical support for Virginia NRCS state leadership. The position is based in the Abingdon area of Virginia, with daily duties conducted remotely, at NRCS field offices, and on project sites throughout the region. This is a grant‑funded role; continuation of employment is contingent upon funding sources.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and five (5) years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia or demonstrable experience and education sufficient to obtain licensure.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Stream restoration certification, equivalent to Wildland Hydrology Level III or higher.
• Experience leading development and application 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 with ability to integrate engineering principles into comprehensive aquatic resource management.
• Skilled in leadership roles on large multi‑faceted projects.

Physical Demands

• Standard office environment.
• Frequent drive to regional project sites.
• Frequent regional travel.
• Outdoor work in variable terrain and weather conditions.
• Moderate hiking in all seasons and weather.
• Occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate private landowners’ schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering Design and Project Development (45%)

• Lead design of conservation engineering projects on private lands in coordination with NRCS field offices. Oversee engineering analyses, develop design plans and specifications, and produce construction‑ready documents using AutoDesk Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, and other applicable software. Projects include streambank stabilization, erosion control, livestock and vehicular stream crossings, culvert replacement for aquatic organism passage, and dam removal.
• Integrate designs into NRCS conservation planning processes; coordinate with planners, biologists, and landowners to evaluate alternatives and ensure compliance with NRCS standards and job approval authority requirements.

Field Surveys, Data Collection, and Site Assessment (25%)

• Lead and conduct fieldwork, 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) and document existing conditions to inform design.
• Lead field responsibilities requiring frequent travel, outdoor work, and direct interaction with landowners and NRCS staff.

Construction Support and Implementation Oversight (15%)

• Lead project implementation by providing technical oversight during construction (layout and staking, troubleshooting field conditions, verifying compliance with design intent and NRCS requirements). Serve as regional lead and subject‑matter expert.
• Collaborate with contractors, NRCS staff, and project stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

Technical Assistance, Coordination, and Program Oversight (15%)

• 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 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 overall program delivery across priority watersheds.

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 accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at [e-mail].