Private Lands Engineering Assistant

Job summary
The Conservation Management Institute (CMI) at Virginia Tech is seeking a Private Lands Engineering Technician (PLET) to support implementation of the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Aquatics Connectivity Framework.The PLET will work with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WLFW program to provide technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers for conservation practices on working lands.The PLET will contribute to the development of a WLFW Aquatic Connectivity Framework that aims to conserve aquatic ecosystems while maintaining productive agricultural lands.
Job seniority: mid-to-senior level
Responsibilities
• Support the implementation of the WLFW Aquatics Connectivity Framework• Provide technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners/managers for conservation practices• Contribute to the development of a unified and streamlined aquatic resource conservation approach• Perform topographic surveying techniques and develop construction drawings and design reports• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences and work independently with little supervision• Conduct field work involving moderate hiking in all seasons and weather conditions
Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in fluvial geomorphology, hydrologic engineering, civil engineering, biological systems engineering, or similar discipline; or equivalent applied experience• Technical proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Excel• Experience in topographic surveying techniques and development of construction drawings and design reports• Excellent communication and organizational skills• Ability to work independently with diverse clientele• Valid driver's license and clear criminal background check
Key Skills Needed
• Autodesk Civil 3D• ArcGIS• Microsoft Excel• Topographic surveying techniques• Construction drawing development• Design report development• Verbal/written communication• Organizational skills