Engineering Specialist, Soil Conservation District

This is technical and planning work at the fully proficient level in soil and water conservation planning. This position assists regional and local engineering conservationists in planning, designing, recommending and implementing soil and water conservation practices, such as agricultural waste management systems, roof runoff management systems, waste storage structures, remote watering structures, shallow water control structures, shallow water wetlands, grass waterways, and contour cropping systems.

This position does not supervise, but may assist in the training and guidance of lower-level employees, such as Soil Conservation Associates and Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialists.

Employee is supervised by the District Manager, and receives technical guidance from the District Conservationist. This work involves performing soil conservation planning tasks at an advanced level of proficiency, allowing for the exercise of independent judgment within broad guidelines and under limited supervision. In addition to performing the most difficult of conservation planning duties, the employee assists professional employees in planning, recommending and implementing conservation activities within the Howard Soil Conservation District.

The employee applies methods and techniques of engineering and soil and water conservation principles and practices.

Work assignments may be conducted outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Work effectiveness of employees in this classification is determined by review of completed assignments and the soundness of recommended actions.

Performs professional conservation planning related services by applying principles and practices of agronomy, soil health or engineering to the preparation of soil conservation and water quality plans.

Hiring Organization:
Howard Soil Conservation District

Job Announcement: see website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and howardcountymd.gov

Please submit a resume outlining relevant experience and expertise to jcovington. Final date to receive applications is November 28, 2025, with the position to be filled in December 2025.

Other related duties may be assigned.

• Selects and applies designs for soil conservation planning using best management practices (BMPs).
• Works with landowners, operators and contractors in recommending or applying conservation practices.
• Develops soil conservation and water quality plans for cooperators.
• Checks construction of standardized conservation projects in progress or when complete; evaluates and proposes solutions to drainage and soil-related problems for individuals, groups, or other units of government.
• Proficient in the operation of Conservation Desktop, the NRCS planning tool.
• Performs conservation planning duties, such as inventory and evaluation of land and farm operations, preparing and delivering maps and preparing finished plans.
• Provides assistance to cooperators with a variety of cost-share programs.
• Conducts assessments of resource concerns on farms and develops soil conservation planning prescriptions to address water quality issues.
• Communicates effectively with farmers, contractors, engineers, and agency staff.
• May oversee the work of survey operations and technicians, and contractors.
• May oversee construction or implementation of BMPs.
• May lead survey projects or other technical projects or programs; including developing designs for a variety of conservation practices.
• Designs or assists in designing best management practices (BMPs) such as waterways, diversion, drainage systems, animal waste management systems and other practices intended to reduce erosion or minimize pollution.
• Performs other related duties.
• May inspect installed practices to determine adherence to standards and specifications.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

A Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Courses in agronomy, environmental science, civil engineering or related fields.
• Experience in soil conservation planning and project design.
• Knowledge of soil and water conservation principles.
• Knowledge of land surveying.
• Knowledge of elementary engineering methods relative to the planning of soil and water conservation, agronomic and structural projects.
• Knowledge of agricultural terminology.
• Knowledge of cropping and farming systems.
• Knowledge of algebra and geometry.
• Knowledge of soil and water engineering design principles.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal agricultural cost-share programs.
• Skill in the application of conservation planning techniques in the areas of inventory, evaluation, design and construction.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; ability to develop and review technical engineering designs; ability to develop plans for conservation practices; ability to compose simple and complex drawings;…