Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (Virginia)

University of Georgia; Georgia; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eligible for UGA employee benefits

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Private Lands Engineer to lead the implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife Aquatics Connectivity Framework. The incumbent will interact with NRCS, oversee workshops, and provide engineering expertise for conservation projects.

This position demands a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience, as well as a PE license in Virginia. The role involves significant fieldwork and collaboration with landowners and NRCS staff.

Qualifications

• 5 years of professional experience in related field.
• Experience and education to obtain PE licensure.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of conservation engineering projects.
• Conduct engineering analyses and develop design plans.
• Lead fieldwork and manage data collection.
• Provide technical oversight during construction.

Skills

Stream restoration certification

Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling

Rivermorph software experience

Leadership on large projects

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia

Tools

AutoDesk Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

Job description

Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (Virginia)

Position Summary: The University of Georgia (UGA) seeks a Private Lands Engineer (Water Resources) to lead the Implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife Aquatics Connectivity Framework in Virginia. The incumbent will serve as the primary point of contact for NRCS, develop and implement multi‑agency workshops, coordinate regional efforts, and provide engineering expertise to support Virginia NRCS leadership.

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15290P
Working Title: Private Lands Engineer - IRIS (Virginia)
Department: Engineering—Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS)
Employment Type: Full Time, 40 hours per week
Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 (based on experience)
Start Date: 08/01/2026 (subject to funding)
Location: Abingdon, Virginia (remote, on‑site, and field work as required)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia or sufficient experience and education to obtain licensure

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience in conservation or water resources engineering
• Knowledge of NRCS programs and permitting processes

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Stream restoration certification (Wildland Hydrology Level III or higher)
• Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, SWMM)
• Rivermorph software experience
• Lead/ownership of project permitting
• Aquatic ecology knowledge to integrate engineering with ecosystem health
• Leadership on large, multi‑faceted projects

Physical Demands

• Standard office environment, frequent regional travel, outdoor field work in variable terrain and weather
• Moderate hiking in all seasons and conditions
• Occasional evening and weekend work to accommodate landowner schedules

Responsibilities

• Engineering Design and Project Development (45%)
  • Lead design of conservation engineering projects on private lands in coordination with NRCS field offices
  • Conduct engineering analyses, develop design plans, and produce construction‑ready documents using AutoDesk Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, and related software
  • Integrate designs into NRCS conservation planning processes and ensure compliance with NRCS standards and approvals
• Field Surveys, Data Collection, and Site Assessment (25%)
  • Lead fieldwork, conducting topographic and channel surveys, collecting site data, and documenting existing conditions
  • Coordinate with landowners and NRCS staff, overseeing field responsibilities and travel
• Construction Support and Implementation Oversight (15%)
  • Provide technical oversight during construction, ensuring proper installation and compliance with design intent and NRCS requirements
  • Serve as regional lead and collaborate with contractors and NRCS staff to deliver successful projects
• Technical Assistance, Coordination, and Program Oversight (15%)
  • Offer engineering expertise to NRCS staff and interdisciplinary partners, contributing to planning discussions and feasibility evaluations
  • Ensure program alignment, compliance with tracking and documentation, and overall delivery across priority watersheds

Benefits

Grant‑funded position; continuation contingent upon continued funding. Eligible for UGA employee benefits per standard policies.

Contact Information

Virginia Bacon‑Talati
Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]

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, veteran status, or other protected status.