Agricultural Engineer I, II & III- Limited Service

at State of Vermont in Middlebury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

This position will perform civil and/or 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. The primary duties of this position will include engineering and hydrology work for the design, construction and management of farmstead infrastructure practices. The position will also provide engineering support, expertise and guidance to farmers, to regulatory program staff, partner organizations, and engineering consultants or contractors.

This position will be based in Middlebury, Vermont, and will work directly in support of federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs.

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, construction standards and acceptable site modifications.  
• Conduct engineering surveys and soil and water sampling to obtain planning and design data for engineering work.
• Generate construction layouts and as-builts and oversee construction.
• Provide technical regulatory compliance recommendations during construction to document that structures will meet construction standards. 
• Conduct environmental sampling to ensure compliance with construction standards. 
• Provide technical assistance to Vermont farmers regarding how management practices effect agricultural systems and other infrastructure to reduce agricultural pollution.

Please note that this is a limited-service position currently funded through November of 2028 with the potential for extension.

As of July 14, 2025, the step 1 rate for pay grade 23 will be $27.50 per hour.

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.