Title:  Agricultural Civil Engineer I - Limited Service

Overview

This position will perform civil and environmental engineering duties in the Water Quality Division within the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets in support of technical and financial assistance programs for farms. The primary duties of this position will include engineering and hydrology work for the design and construction of water quality infrastructure on farms. The position will also provide engineering support, expertise and guidance to farmers, regulatory program staff, partner organizations, and engineering consultants or contractors. 

This position will be based out of federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center/s located in Middlebury or Rutland, Vermont, and will work directly in support of federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. Candidates for this position must be able to pass federal background check/s and clearances. Please note that this is a limited-service position currently funded through November of 2028 with the potential for extension. 

Examples of work to be performed by this position include:

• Prepare engineering designs for infrastructure such as agricultural waste storage structures, storage tanks, heavy use area, and special stability features, and other infrastructure improvements according to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) technical standards and specifications or equivalent.  
• Prepare design documents for practices and structures to include material standards and quantities, cost estimates, construction standards and acceptable site modifications.  
• Conduct engineering surveys and soil and water sampling to obtain planning and design data for engineering work.
• Provide construction phase engineering services including QA monitoring, troubleshooting, survey, and certification assessments.
• Provide technical regulatory compliance recommendations throughout design and construction to document that practices will meet construction standards.  
• Conduct environmental sampling to ensure compliance with construction standards.  
• Provide technical assistance to Vermont farmers regarding how management practices affect agricultural systems and other infrastructure to reduce agricultural pollution. 

The right candidate for this position will: 

• Be driven to apply engineering skills to protect the environment and support Vermont farms.
• Thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and would enjoy bringing projects from initial concept through construction.
• Value team collaboration, mentorship and support from other engineers.
• Be patient and supportive when providing technical assistance to farms.
• Be self-motivated, take initiative, and care deeply about making a difference. 

 
The position offers: 

• A hybrid work model with two days of telework possible from your home office after onboarding and supervisory approval.
• Opportunities to complete field site visits to assess site conditions and observe construction.
• Mentorship and support toward achieving a PE license if applicable.
• A mission-driven, supportive team committed to technical excellence and public service.

Who May Apply

This position, Agricultural Civil Engineer I - Limited Service (Job Requisition #54330), is open to all State employees and external applicants.  It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. 

Level I: 54330

Level II: 54395

Level III: 54396

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Rob.Achilles@Vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both an office setting and in the field.

Frequent on-farm visits including exposure to agricultural waste, livestock, and active construction work.

Fieldwork may involve exposure to hazardous materials, equipment hazards, and confined or above ground spaces during all weather conditions and may involve traversing rough terrain, wooded and wetlands areas, and bodies of water and wastes.

Field work will require carrying equipment (50+ lbs.) over rough terrain and bodies of water in all weather conditions.

Frequent state-wide travel

Coordination with Agency staff, partners, contractors, and farm customers. Regular supervision and review of communications.

Coordination with Agency staff and customers.

Attendance at public meetings as an Agency representative may be required and some public speaking may be needed. This position may encounter adversarial opinions and attitudes on the part of the property owner, contractor, and the general public

Activities may occur outside of normal business hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in civil, environmental, structural, or construction engineering or other closely related field such as geology, physics or chemistry AND at least one (1) year of engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree or higher in in civil, environmental, structural, construction engineering or other closely related field such as geology, physics or chemistry.

Recommended to be an Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) OR other equivalent professional certification.

Special Requirements

n/a

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer