Conservation Engineer (Natural Resources Engineer 3)

Organization

Agriculture

Agency Contact Name and Information: Paul Hengstenberg - paul.hengstenberg@agri.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Sep 14, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Work Location

AGRI Hanc

NO ADDRESS

Findlay 45840

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Hancock County-Findlay

Compensation: $40.40 - $57.67

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours: M-F, 8-5pm

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Civil Engineering

Technical Skills: Agriculture, Engineering, Natural Resources, Civil Engineering

Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Establishing Relationships, Organizing and Planning, Results Oriented

Agency Overview

Competitive Salary: $84,032 - $119,954 annually

Who We Are:

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as the engineering specialist supporting Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across a 20-county area.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to SWCD staff on conservation projects and practices.
• Review engineering plans, designs, and specifications for accuracy, compliance, and sound engineering practices.
• Ensure projects comply with the Field Office Technical Guide and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Assign technical job approval levels to SWCD staff based on demonstrated engineering skills and proficiency.
• Develop and deliver engineering and technical training for SWCD staff.
• Provide training on agricultural and urban best management practices, including water pollution control, manure management, and stream restoration.
• Oversee the design and construction of specialized conservation practices and recommend modifications when needed.
• Develop and update engineering standards, specifications, and technical documentation for new conservation technologies and best management practices.
• Investigate agricultural pollution concerns and recommend appropriate engineering solutions.
• Review plans for agricultural pollution control facilities requiring state permits.
• Conduct field investigations and provide on-site engineering assistance for conservation and water-quality projects. Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Certificate of registration as professional engineer issued by State Licensing Board.
• 12 mos. exp. as Natural Resources Engineer 2, 85742 or 12 mos. equivalent related engineering experience. Supplemental Information

Here's a quick video which highlights our Soil and Water Conservation Division at ODA!

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT:

Renewal of certificate of registration as professional engineer as prescribed by law.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be exposed to inclement weather & unsafe conditions during inspection of projects to include walking long and short distances, climbing & navigating rough terrain, steep slopes & embankments & spillways & ladders while carrying needed equipment; in Ohio Department of Agriculture, frequent contact with animals, manure, dust, & odors.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Paul Hengstenberg

Paul.Hengstenberg@agri.ohio.gov

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.