Conservation Engineering Technician

Position Announcement 

Conservation Engineering Technician 

The purpose of this position is to provide engineering assistance to Soil and Water Conservation 
Districts that are members of Area 3 Technical Service Area (TSA) in northeast Minnesota. 
Engineering assistance involves the evaluation, design, and construction of eligible best 
management practices that protect and conserve water and soil resources. 
Workload will be an even mix during field season of field survey, assessment, and construction 
oversight, in tandem with office-based design, modeling, and project management. Winter 
workload focuses more on drafting, design, modeling, and project management. 

Closing Date: June 12, 2026 

Duties and Responsibilities: 
1. Provide field assessment and conduct topographical surveys for the planning and 
design of best management practices and structural conservation projects. 
2. Utilize sound ecological and engineering principles, design standards and methods 
to prepare final project designs and associated construction plans under the 
supervision of the TSA3 Engineer. 
3. Assist with the development of hydrologic & hydraulic models, technical reports, 
specifications, and cost estimates. 
4. Oversee construction of best management practices and structural conservation 
projects.  
5. Communicate project expectations with landowners, contractors, and other project 
stakeholders. 
6. Assist area staff with various field work as needs arise. 
7. Other duties as assigned. 

Location: Duluth, Minnesota 

Work Area: Northeastern Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Aitkin, Carlton, 
Cook, Kanabec, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis Counties. 

Employment Conditions: Full-time. There will be a six-month probationary period.  

Salary: 
Starting range: $48,000 - $58,000 per year. 

Benefits: 
Health And Dental Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, Retirement, and Minnesota Deferred 
Compensation Program. 
Extensive Travel Required Throughout Northeastern Minnesota.  

Minimum Qualifications: 
• The position holder should hold an A.A.S. degree in Civil Engineering Technology or 
equivalent, or a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Natural 
Resources related field. 
Knowledge and experience with the use of computer-aided design and drafting software 
(AutoCAD), Auto CAD Civil 3D, and GPS and total station surveying equipment 
required. 
• Must be willing to work long hours in varied conditions and terrain. Must be willing to stay 
overnight and travel on limited duration trips throughout Northeast Minnesota. Must be 
willing and able to carry 50 lbs. over uneven terrain. 
• Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less 
than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. 
• Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier 
materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even 
though the weights lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require 
walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the  time with a 
degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. 

Desired Qualifications: 
• Sound knowledge of the current principles and practices of engineering required. Desired 
areas of expertise include hydrology, hydraulics, surveying, agronomy, geology, soil science, 
soil mechanics, forestry, treatment structures, and related sciences. 
• Knowledge of construction site sediment and erosion control; lakeshore, stream bank, 
and roadside stabilization; urban conservation issues; storm water management; feedlot 
pollution abatement; and other agronomic conservation practices are highly desirable. 
• Effective oral communication, written communication, computer, and problem-solving       
skills. 
• Ability to work with ArcPro, HEC RAS, digital/paper maps, and physical filing and 
record systems, as     well as with Microsoft Office, G Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and electronic 
communications and calendaring. 
• Familiarity with stream geomorphology and stream restoration and analysis. 

Please send (electronic preferred) a resume and letter of interest by 4:00 p.m. on 
Friday June 12, 2026 to: 

R.C. Boheim, District Manager RC.Boheim@southstlouisswcd.org 

Please include a copy of your DD214 if you are applying for Veteran’s preference points. 

The Area 3 SWCD Technical Service Area and South St. Louis SWCD are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In 
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SWCD will provide reasonable accommodations to 
qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential 
accommodations with the employer.