Regional Engineer - Spokane, WA

Regional Engineer

Spokane, WA

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation, is seeking a Civil Engineer to join our team of dedicated conservation professionals in the Pacific Northwest. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with a dynamic team of engineers and biologists involved in the planning, design, and implementation of diverse wetland, stream, and wildland restoration projects.

This position will be stationed at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state office in Spokane Valley, Washington. The engineer will focus primarily on providing professional engineering services to NRCS throughout Washington State, with approximately 80% of their time dedicated to NRCS over the next three years. The remaining 20% of the time will be working with Ducks Unlimited biological and engineering staff located in Spokane.

The incumbent will support the planning, design, and construction of restoration and conservation improvements authorized under various NRCS conservation programs such as Easements, EQIP, RCPP, and other Farm Bill programs. The engineer will either provide or coordinate the necessary technical assistance to design and implement conservation practices at project sites assigned by the NRCS supervisor.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at minimum a B.S in Civil Engineering or equivalent engineering from an EAC/ABET accredited engineering program. A registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Washington is preferable (or be able to obtain licensure within 6 months), and a minimum of 4 years’ relevant engineering experience. Desirable qualifications include GPS surveying, AutoCAD Civil3D, hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling, irrigation design, construction contracting, construction inspection and management, soil science, hydraulic design, agricultural engineering, stream crossing designs, and levee/canal design. Demonstrated oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential. Knowledge of NRCS policies, procedures, and engineering standards is preferred. 

Candidates must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work effectively in team-based environments. Candidates must be capable of field work involving strenuous outdoor activity in various environmental conditions. 

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Occasional travel on both public and private roads, including at night, may be required. Passing a DU and federal-level background check and drug screening is required for employment, as is securing and maintaining a Federal LincPass.

Responsibilities

Engineering Project Design

1. Responsible for the overall management, control, coordination, and execution of assigned projects. As the Project Engineer, implements corporate decisions, guidance, laws, regulations, and policy in the development of the project and intermediate products in support of the project. Negotiates and integrates all NRCS functions (i.e., planning, design, cost engineering, construction, contracting). Aids in customer needs and other agencies commitments in support of assigned project to develop comprehensive plans. Monitors obligations and expenditures. Allocates project funds consistent with progress attained and monitors performance to ensure commitments of all parties are being upheld. Provides regular status reports on assigned projects.
2. Develops a preliminary plan of study, compiles pertinent basic engineering data, and evaluates prior reports and investigations concerning study areas. Initiates preliminary field and office investigations to determine the general type and extent of water management problems as well as gathers an inventory of potential solutions. Initiates and coordinates studies with other interested federal agencies, state agencies and Tribes.
3. Interprets plans and specifications for contractors, solving problems at a local level to ensure proper implementation. Directs calculations of earthwork, concrete, steel, conduits, and other materials. Also prepares construction estimates and bills of materials.
4. Assists with designs (to include data gathering and communication with sponsors) and coordinates the construction of all installed improvements. Reviews designs prepared by others to determine: 

• conformance with practice standards.
• if they meet the needs of land-users and the resource base.
• if there are effective communication resources (e.g., job sheets, drawings, specs), and 
• construction practicality. 

Ensures designs meet approval criteria (with delegated engineering job approval authority) and forwards to the appropriate organizational level of approval.

Quality Assurance

1. Conducts site investigations and feasibility studies, field-checks structural works of improvement designs (which are prepared/approved by the State Conservation Engineer (SCE)) prior to contracting. Prepares or reviews field designs and preliminary/ final drawings and specifications on agricultural engineering practices. Ensure designs meet construction standards, availability of materials and structures are adapted to specific site criteria.
2. Recommends changes in designs, specifications, and schedules to accommodate conditions at construction sites and/or to expedite construction. Makes hydrological determinations and solves hydraulic problems including flood routing.
3. Makes periodic quality reviews of notes, drawings, designs, and installations for compliance with policies, procedures, and/or specifications. Keeps the SCE informed at all times of the engineering operations in the area with recommendations for changes.
4. Works within a team concept to develop and implement ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the products and/or services provided to internal and external customers.
5. Responsible for providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, requiring employees, contractors, and others to use safety precautions when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

To apply: Please fill out the application materials on this link and attach a cover letter and resume indicating your qualifications and why you are interested in the position. The position will be open until it is filled. For further information regarding this position, please contact: Linda McMahon, Administrative Assistant, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Pacific Northwest Field Office, 11805 NE 99^th Street, Suite 1300, Vancouver, WA 98682, Email: lmcmahon@ducks.org

SALARY RANGE:  $80,000.00- $130,000.00 annually – Salary commensurate with education and experience.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

LEADER IN WETLANDS CONSERVATION