Job Specification Details

Complex engineering work that includes program management, project oversight, and development that can spans multiple years at an advanced professional level involving the planning, design, construction, and management of agricultural infrastructure for the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM).  The position will prove expert guidance and representation on agricultural, civil, energy, environmental, and structural engineering for the VAAFM, our sister Agencies, Partner Organizations, and private sector engineers, consultants, and contractors.  Duties include establishing engineering standards, policies and procedures for the VAAFM Best Management Practice (BMP) and Alternative Manure Management (AMM) Programs along with providing technical advice on the Agency’s regulatory and enforcement programs.  Supervision over a team of consulting engineers & architects (A&E) as well as over Agency engineering staff on a project basis.

The Agricultural Engineer Section Chief position is the Agency’s leader in the supervision and preparation of engineering designs for agricultural waste storage structures; transfer systems; mechanical and biological treatment of wastes; renewable energy; or other improvement work according to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) technical standards and specifications or equivalent standards. Provides expert technical and regulatory assistance in the design and review of animal feed storage bunkers and silos; agricultural chemical storage and their applications; heavy use area; and stream bank stabilization and crossings. 

Simultaneously manages a significate number of large and ongoing projects.  Through the use of the Agency’s engineering and technical staff; private engineers and consultants, develops project definition and scope to determine construction efficiency and feasible alternatives.  Plans, maintains and adjusts project schedules.  Independently performs complex design work, develops scope, and ensures that all necessary technical reviews, permit applications, and other requirements are met for Agency sponsor projects.

Represents the Agency engineering position at various local, state, regional and national meetings, conferences or organizations.

Advises and works with our sister Agencies on agricultural waste handling, transfer and treatment practices, guidelines, and requirements.

Mentor and train staff in technical development and expertise such as project management.

Provide technical assistance to Vermont farmers regarding how management practices effect agricultural waste storage systems and other infrastructure to manage agricultural discharges.

Recommends technical and administrative program changes.

Performs related duties as required.

Duties are generally performed in both an office and field setting.  Travel for meetings and fieldwork will necessitate the use of a State’s fleet, rental agency, or private vehicle for transportation.  Fieldwork may involve working around animals, agricultural wastes and agricultural and construction equipment.  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.  This position may be required to carry sampling and survey equipment up to 40 pounds.  Some travel in off-road, tractor or all-terrain vehicles or watercraft.  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. Some work outside of regular working hours.

Knowledge and skill sufficient to provide technical leadership statewide on engineering principles and practices used in the management of agricultural wastes.  May provide regional or national expertise on specific practices and designs.

Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations affecting agricultural water quality and Best Management Practices to prevent discharges.  Thorough knowledge of NRCS technical references, especially the National Engineering Manual, the Engineering Field Handbook, the Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook, and other technical releases and guidance.

Considerable knowledge of engineering systems analysis and evaluation.

Considerable knowledge of planning principles and procedures.

Ability to review plans and specifications and make recommendations concerning their adequacy, feasibility, and compliance with guidance and regulations.

Ability to research, understand and implement new technologies and methodologies.

Ability to inspect work under construction and evaluation its conformity with specifications. 

Ability to review plans, cost estimates, and specification prepared by others.

Ability to maintain and establish working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to use a total station, robotic or GPS enabled survey equipment to create spatial maps for planning, design, layout and as-built documentation of projects.

Ability to prepares, design, and reviews plans generated by Computer Assisted Design (CAD) or CAD type programs.

Ability to use ArcGIS and the Agency of Natural Resources Atlas to create spatial maps for planning, design of projects.

Proficiently use of Microsoft Suite programs.

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural, civil, environmental or structural engineering AND eight (8) or more years of professional level engineering experiences including the design, construction, and management of agricultural waste systems AND registration with the State of Vermont as a Licensed Professional Engineer or the ability to be register within six (6) months including or supplemented by two (2) years of supervisory experience.

OR

Associate's degree in agricultural, civil, environmental or structural engineering AND ten (10) years or more of professional level engineering experience including the design, construction, and management of agricultural waste systems AND registration with the State of Vermont as a Licensed Professional Engineer or the ability to register within six (6) months including or supplemented by two (2) years of supervisory experience.

OR

Master's degree in agricultural, civil, environmental, or structural engineer AND six (6) years or more of professional level engineering experience including the design, construction, and management of agricultural waste systems AND registration with the State of Vermont as a Licensed Professional Engineer or the ability to be registered within six (6) months including or supplemented by two (2) years of supervisory experience.

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