Engineering Technician - Soil and Water Conservation District

Chisago County is seeking an Engineering Technician for the Soil and Water Conservation District. This role involves providing engineering assistance for conservation practices in collaboration with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a two-year degree in engineering or related fields, with proficiency in CAD, GIS, and surveying tools. The position offers a salary of $65,000 – $85,000 and includes a hybrid work environment. Applications are due by April 30, 2025.
Application Deadline: 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Compensation: $65,000 – $85,000. This position may be hired at a Technical or Specialist level depending on qualifications and experience.

Apply now by submitting:

Letter of interest
Resume
Three references
Chisago SWCD “Application for Employment” to craig.mell@mn.nacdnet.net or the address listed below:

Chisago SWCD

Attn: Craig Mell

38500 Tanger Dr. Suite 206
North Branch, MN 55056

Employment Opportunity: Engineering Technician

Job Summary: This position will work closely with the five SWCDs in the Lower St. Croix watershed, the USDA-NRCS, and other partners to provide the engineering assistance necessary for landowners, community groups and local government units to plan, implement and maintain a variety of conservation practices. The engineering technician position is a professional position requiring a diverse background in pre-planning, problem evaluation, problem solving, and design and installation of structural and biological conservation activities addressing non-point source pollution.

Minimum Qualifications:
• A two-year degree in engineering, natural resource management or equivalent post-secondary education.
• Proficient knowledge of the use of computer-aided design and drafting equipment (preferably AutoCAD Civil 3D), ArcGIS Pro, Pix4D, and total station, drone, and GPS surveying equipment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and capable of working with a wide variety of people.
• Must be physically able and willing to work in varied terrain and weather conditions, and capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Applicants should be able to learn quickly, follow instructions, handle multiple projects, and adapt to changing job duties and/or responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team with multiple district staff and other government agencies and organizations.
• Ability to obtain USDA Job Approval Authority.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Four years of demonstrated engineering experience.
• Four-year or advanced degree.
• USDA Job Approval Authority for Engineering practices.

Location: Chisago SWCD office, 38500 Tanger Dr. Suite 206, North Branch, MN 55056

Compensation: $65,000 – $85,000. This position may be hired at a Technical or Specialist level depending on qualifications and experience.

Status: Regular full time.

Benefits: Full benefits package. Hybrid work environment.

Application Deadline: 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties below are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive, exhaustive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be assigned and required.
• Apply engineering skills and knowledge to a variety of engineering projects to prevent soil erosion, sedimentation, and/or improve water quality. This includes gathering soil and water resource data for the preparation of conservation practice designs, including detailed land surveys and drainage area delineation for practice design conception through completion, including preparation of preliminary engineering reports, cost estimates, preparation of detailed plans and specifications, construction supervision and inspection, and final certification of completed projects.
• Document current engineering projects and reports work accomplished to District Administrator and NRCS District Conservationist. Schedules projects with other field staff and assists landowners in project initiation, pre-construction conferences, and completion.
• Conduct follow-up visits with landowners to advise/assist on the maintenance of conservation practices
• Perform technical work according to the USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide and the Minnesota Stormwater Manual under minimal supervision; Coordinate construction inspection; maintain progress records and field notes for reporting and quality control.
• Work in partnership with other government agencies, associations and landowners.
• Assist with training SWCD partner staff.
• Write grants and administer funded projects from multiple cost-share programs
• Accept other duties as assigned by the District Administrator.

Apply now by submitting:
• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Three references
• Chisago SWCD “Application for Employment” to craig.mell@mn.nacdnet.net or the address listed below:

Chisago SWCD

Attn: Craig Mell

38500 Tanger Dr. Suite 206
North Branch, MN 55056

Finalists for the interview process will be determined after initial screening and assessment of qualifications provided in the materials submitted. Applicants selected for the interview process will be contacted directly.