Wetland Engineering Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits :

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Conservation Districts of Iowa

Wetland Engineering Technician

Fairfield, Iowa

Application Deadline : Open until filled

Anticipated Start Date : Upon successful background check

The successful applicant would work in the following area :

Fairfield USDA-NRCS office covering USDA-NRCS SE Area

These positions are funded through an agreement between the Conservation Districts of Iowa and the Iowa Natural Resource Conservation Service. Funding is secured through September of 2027 with the opportunity for extension.

Job Description :

Wetland Engineering Technicians will work to assist in the design and implementation of wetland restoration and enhancement on private lands in Iowa through USDAs Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). WRE and CRP wetlands provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; improves water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduces flooding; recharges groundwater; protects biological diversity; provides resilience to climate change; and provides opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

As a Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) employee, you would work in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). You would serve as a member of the NRCS Engineering and Easement Teams, receiving training and daily direction from NRCS Engineering staff who possess EJAA. You would work in coordination with NRCS Area Easement Specialists for ACEP-WRE wetlands, and NRCS Resource Team Leads for CRP wetlands. Additionally, you would work closely with the DNR Private Lands Biologist to receive training on wildlife habitat assessment, development, and management to help ensure the intended wildlife benefits of the wetland restoration and enhancements.

We expect the successful candidate to develop into an integral part of the effective design and implementation of wetland restoration and enhancement. This will involve coordinating with landowners and the engineering team to develop topographic surveys and collect field data; prepare project plans, technical specifications, and project cost estimates; and to conduct field inspections and perform construction management oversight. At the end of the first year, success would mean that you have developed the skills and relationships necessary to assist landowners and your team members to design and implement wetland restoration and enhancement on the landscape.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering or closely related natural resources field and 1-year related field experience in wetland or wildlife habitat development and management.

Benefits to the Applicant :

Please note that CDI reserves the right to amend or terminate any benefit plans. Participation in these benefits does not constitute a contract or guarantee of future employment.

To Apply : Please include your cover letter indicating which position(s) you are applying for, your resume, and three professional references as one PDF file. Send to Dien Judge at dien@cdiowa.org. CDI is an equal opportunity employer.