Conservation Engineering Specialist

ESE is seeking a motivated Conservation Engineering Specialist to join our technical team and help expand the adoption of conservation drainage practices across the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Basins. This technically-focused role is ideal for a person who enjoys a combination of engineering design and field work. This Specialist will collaborate with other technical staff, agricultural producers, and drainage contractors to plan, design, and help install conservation drainage practices for a measurable impact on water quality and agricultural resilience for farm economic health.About the RoleThis is a hybrid position where 90% of work is from your home office and 10% in travel with a focus on Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. As an engineering specialist, you will develop plans and designs for conservation drainage practices. Travel activities will involve collecting field and survey data to support practice plans and designs, as well as overseeing practice installation. Your work with producers and drainage contractors is concentrated on drainage water management (manual & automated), denitrifying bioreactors, saturated buffers, and phosphorus removal systems. As an engineering specialist, you will coordinate with drainage contractors, oversee construction activities, and ensure installations meet ESE’s design specifications and cost parameters. All work is to be of high quality, with careful attention to detail and accuracy. The position reports to ESE’s Technical Services Manager and is a member of a geographically distributed, experienced team.Key Responsibilities• Conduct remote site assessments and in-field site investigations and engineering surveys. • Plan and design conservation drainage practices and systems for optimum efficacy and cost effectiveness. • Complete construction staking/layout, and coordinate land improvement drainage contractors for efficient installation. • Oversee construction, provide guidance, and perform checkout to verify compliance with design/practice standards. • Manage workload and scheduling to maximize office and field work efficiency and to minimize travel time.Qualifications• A two- or four-year degree in agriculture, conservation, ecological sciences, engineering, mathematics, or related fields. • Experience with engineering surveys, field layout, and construction oversight. • Proficiency with GPS, total stations, and laser levels; experience with GIS and CAD software is preferred. • Knowledge of Midwest agricultural systems, operations, and drainage design and installation. • Effective communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office. • Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle suitable for use to perform position responsibilities.Compensation & Benefits• Starting pay commensurate with experience and demonstrated proficiency (annual range is $70,000 to $110,000). • Health, life, short- and long-term disability insurance; workers compensation; SIMPLE-IRA. • Paid vacation (increasing with years of service), sick leave, and seven paid holidays. • ESE credit card for work-related equipment and expenses, plus mileage reimbursement consistent with ESE policy. • Potential opportunities for pursuing further professional development, certifications, and licensing.Why Join ESE?You’ll be part of a mission-driven team advancing practical, science-based solutions that improve water quality and support resilient agricultural landscapes. This role offers independent work, collaboration with experienced team members for advice and counsel, and the opportunity to help scale-up conservation drainage adoption by producers across the Midwest.How to ApplyTo apply for this position, please submit your resume to the following email address by no later than December 31, 2026: ben@ecoexch.com. In your transmittal email, please include a paragraph or two describing why this position appeals to you and why you would be a strong candidate for consideration by ESE.