ShoreRivers Seeks Conservation Engineer

ShoreRivers protects Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. ShoreRivers seeks a Conservation Engineer to assist in delivering restoration projects that support our efforts to achieve healthy waterways across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Delaware. In this support role the Conservation Engineer will spend approximately 90% of their time in the office designing projects and 10% of their time in the field assisting in survey, project management, and post-construction monitoring with a focus on stream restoration. The most critical skills for this position are Civil 3D and experience in nature-based ecological restoration as it pertains to stream restoration design.

The Conservation Engineer joins a $7 million nonprofit organization with 30+ professionals. Employees work in-person with the capacity for flexibility in their schedule when appropriate. This full-time position is exempt salaried and “at-will,” and reports to the Environmental Engineer. The Conservation Engineer will work primarily out of the Easton office, and the employee must live within the communities in which we work. This position requires flexibility to work longer hours, weekends, and travel as needed. This position offers a competitive benefits package (see more below) and a salary range between $60,000-$80,000, based on experience. Position begins as soon as possible.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Design

• Assist with design of projects focused on stream restoration, urban stormwater, and other restoration practices.
• Create site-specific stream restoration concept designs, prepare design drawings, construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Work closely with state and federal permitting agencies.

  Restoration Project Management

• Manage a portion of ShoreRivers’ restoration project assessments and construction projects across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Delaware.
• Assess wetland, urban, and stream sites for restoration suitability, with a focus on streams.
• Manage and support restoration projects and staff through concepts, designs, permitting, and construction management.
• Provide topographic survey support.
• Maintain detailed documentation on project progress and the corresponding timelines.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the fundraising and development efforts of the organization, including identifying and pursuing potential project grants and supporting ShoreRivers’ annual events.
• Contribute to ShoreRivers’ general communications and outreach efforts.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Agriculture and Restoration.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The employee must have a strong commitment to environmental protection and to ShoreRivers’ mission and statement of inclusion.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 3 years of relevant experience in environmental project design, management, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with stream restoration design.
• Experience with using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling programs (e.g., TR-55/TR-20, HEC-RAS, SWMM, HydroCAD).
• Proficient in the use of Civil 3D and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Understanding of federal and state permitting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions and be able to participate in physical labor while out in the field.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wetland restoration design, urban stormwater design, geomorphic assessments, topographic surveying, surveying techniques and equipment, and/or construction supervision.
• Knowledge of soils, hydric indicators, and native plants.
• General understanding of spatial analysis and use of ArcPro or other geospatial software.
• Understanding of federal and state agricultural cost share programs.
• Understanding of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) design standards and guides.
• MBSS certification and/or MDE “green card.”
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team member with ShoreRivers staff, partners, volunteers, and community members.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.

SHORERIVERS

ShoreRivers seeks to protect Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. We have a dedicated staff of Riverkeepers, educators, scientists, restoration specialists, and advocates focused on policies and projects that will improve the health of our rivers. Our staff are a strong, collective voice for Eastern Shore waterways.

ShoreRivers believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our staff, board, supporters, and programs is critical to achieving our mission of clean water. We believe that access to waterways fuels environmental stewardship; inclusion of diverse communities is essential to long term success; and diverse representation in our membership, staff, and board makes us stronger.

ShoreRivers believes that swimmable, fishable, clean, and safe rivers are for everyone in our communities. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all applicants. This position uses a wide variety of skills; we encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

WORKING AT SHORERIVERS

ShoreRivers offers an energetic and fast-paced work environment with bright, fun coworkers. We cultivate a supportive, regenerative work culture where hard work, innovation, collaboration, and professional development are priorities.

We are dedicated to providing flexibility and a genuine work-life balance for all staff, in addition to meeting our mission and serving our communities responsibly as a nonprofit organization. As such, ShoreRivers operates in person with a flexible schedule; occasional remote work is supported in alignment with individual responsibilities and supervisors.

BENEFITS

• Medical coverage, with 100% of base plan premiums for the employee covered by ShoreRivers.
• Retirement plan, with ShoreRivers matching up to 4% of an employee’s salary.
• 25 paid days off for all employees.
• 11 paid federal holidays, plus the week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day (17 paid holidays total).
• 5 weeks paid parental leave; option to add 7 weeks unpaid.
• Professional development opportunities.