Career Highlight: Agriculture Conservation Engineering

Agricultural conservation engineers play a vital role in turning sound conservation plans into real, on-the-ground practices across Pennsylvania. With increasing attention on agricultural water quality, the need for highly trained engineers continues to expand. These professionals design and carry out projects that provide farms with practical solutions while improving and protecting water quality.

Employers

Agricultural conservation engineers are employed across public agencies and private firms. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) hires engineers at multiple levels nationwide, while county conservation districts and county governments often provide local opportunities. Many private engineering firms are also building teams dedicated to agricultural and environmental projects. If you’re looking for current job openings in this field, check out The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training’s job page.

Core Job Duties

The details and daily tasks of any agricultural conservation engineering job vary from employer to employer.  However, there are some core duties that one might expect to see in one of these positions.

Conservation Program Support

While some conservation practices are funded entirely by the landowner, larger, more expensive projects often receive financial support through public programs.  Ag conservation engineers support these conservation programs through their work and, therefore, must be familiar with the program requirements.  Federal programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Pennsylvania state programs such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) assist in funding and implementing conservation projects on farms. To be adaptable in the conservation workforce, engineers may also need to be familiar with other related conservation programs, such as the Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Roads (DGLVR) grant program.

Designing Conservation Practices

Engineers are crucial to the conservation process, particularly when there is a need for structural practices to be designed and implemented.  Conservation structures such as roofed heavy-use areas and liquid manure storage facilities require the seal of a Professional Engineer (PE) who has the authority to design and certify the finished product. Ag conservation engineers typically conduct site surveys before construction, which helps inform the design. They may also be tasked with inspections and evaluations during and after construction to ensure proper implementation and compliance or to certify the practice. Some engineers may focus on providing technical review and assistance on these types of projects.

Regulatory Compliance and Permitting

Conservation practices that require engineering design also typically require permitting.  Ag conservation engineers may be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and certifying a variety of plans and/or permit applications, including Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) Control Plans, Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Plans, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit applications, and General Permits (GP), among others.  Coordination with local, state, and federal agencies is necessary to ensure projects meet regulatory standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication and engagement are key responsibilities of an agricultural conservation engineer, particularly when working on projects funded by public dollars. When designing a project on private land, consistent and clear communication with the farmer and/or landowner is essential to developing a project that meets their needs.  Additionally, many projects are co-funded by partner organizations that each have their own funding requirements, so coordinating with colleagues across agencies is a key part of an engineer's role. Occasionally, ag conservation engineers are tasked with designing projects that interface with public land, or with the public more broadly.  This may be the case most frequently in projects that also include stormwater engineering. Engineers may also be tasked with representing their employer at public hearings, meetings, and legislative sessions. Some engineers lead or support educational events such as workshops, trainings, field days, and outreach events on stormwater, watershed restoration, and agricultural conservation as part of their stakeholder engagement duties. 

Developing Experience on the Career Ladder

Whether you are just starting your education or already an experienced agricultural conservation engineer, there is always something new to learn. The following sections outline practical steps for gaining the knowledge, skills, and experience needed in this field.

Education, Licensure, and Certifications

Job descriptions will list the education, licensure, and certification requirements for specific positions.  Here are a few common examples:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineering field with a focus or interest in agriculture.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification
• PA Certified Conservation Plan Writer certification
• USDA-NRCS engineering job approval authority (ENGJAA) for a variety of engineering practices

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Job descriptions may include the technical skills and knowledge requirements for specific positions.  Here are a few common examples:

• Proficiency in structural design
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Basic understanding of agricultural production and agronomy
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania environmental regulations (e.g., Chapters 91, 102, 105, Act 38)
• Experience in surveying and site layout capabilities
• Ability to read and interpret maps and engineering plan drawings
• Experience with NRCS software tools

Curious about a career in agricultural conservation engineering? A number of resources can help you explore the pathways and opportunities ahead. While there are few undergraduate programs specializing in this field, classes can be combined to develop the necessary qualifications. The Pennsylvania State University offers courses specifically designed for ag conservation engineering in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Check out the job board for "Current Ag Conservation Job Postings in PA" where ag conservation engineering positions are frequently posted.  Learn about other professional development opportunities in the sector by reviewing this article or visiting the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) website to learn about and register for upcoming trainings and events.  If you have any questions, please contact Erin Trouba at ect5075@psu.edu.