- Job ID: 166902
- Location: Charlottetown
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
Government of PEI
Soil and Water Conservation Engineer
Department: Agriculture
Location: Charlottetown
Position: Full-time (Commencing Immediately)
Employment Type: Permanent – UPSE
Hourly Salary Range: $36.31 – $45.38
Annual Salary Range: $70,805 – $88,491
Pay Level: 18
Bi-Weekly Hours: 75.0 hours bi-weekly
Posting ID: 166902-0325APO
Closing Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 5:00 p.m.
Open to: Public
The Department of Agriculture is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
What we offer:
- Health and Dental Benefits
- Pension Plan
- Up to $2,500 annual training funds
- 3 weeks paid vacation annually
- Relocation assistance funds
- Flexible working hours
This position offers program delivery and agricultural extension services to producers, including engineering design of erosion control structures, technical support and advice for implementation of water and irrigation BMPs, ACRA Management plan development as a specialist under the Act, ALUS advisor, SHIP advisor, professional advice and expertise to PEIDA and other Departments on soil, water, or land use based topics.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Provide professional advice to agricultural producers and landowners; including engineering design of physical work projects that reduce environmental risk or optimize water use;
- Provide technical advice and assistance to Island producers regarding:
- Pivot or irrigation system layout, modifications or management efficiencies to increase irrigation efficiency and effectiveness;
- Crop rotation, and erosion control structures that can reduce erosion, improve soil health, protect Island waterways and public infrastructure;
- Opportunities for the development of water supply, including options for pipelines, water wells, and switching from surface to groundwater supply;
- Conduct evaluations using various topographical surveys and modeling software; identifying, prioritizing and designing project activities to reduce soil erosion or improve water supply and irrigation efficiency based on the farm’s specific context and goals, resulting in a detailed plan and infield layout;
- Assess the degree of environmental risk of agricultural operations and guide those clients/applicants to departmental programs and advising on beneficial management practices and project details that address those risks;
- Promote soil and water conservation within the agricultural community, including reporting on the completion and success of soil and water projects;
- Serve as a Provincial Management Specialist under the Agricultural Crop Rotation Act (ACRA), assess producers cropping practices using soil modelling software and advise Island producers and landowners in the development and implementation of management plans and soil health improvement plans;
- Ensure that program needs are met, that the program is delivered effectively, and that the program provides positive outcomes for clients, through working closely with Program Officers and other Agriculture Resource Division staff;
- Provide direction to Program Officers in maintaining an accurate database and GIS layer which monitors clients enrolled under the Program and other program information;
- Research and development of new and relevant beneficial management practices that address soil loss, improve soil health, water quality or water use and irrigation efficiency; including determining project construction guidelines standards;
- Identify, design and implement applied research and demonstration projects on-farm and analyzing project results; including partnering and coordinating with multiple stakeholders in industry, academia, and other governments;
- Apply and maintain knowledge and expertise related to irrigation systems and soil and water quality: soil erosion control structures, crop rotation, water resources and water management, design and implementation of water supply and wastewater systems;
- Provide professional and engineering expertise to the Department and to other government departments relating to soil resources, soil erosion, land use, ACRA, water supply, water efficiency, and agricultural irrigation;
- Provide agri-environmental advice as necessary;
- Other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Degree (Masters of Science) in Engineering, Bioresource Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, or a related field of study with experience in water resource engineering and hydrology, soil and water conservation, and irrigation design and management;
OR
- Degree (Masters of Science) in Environmental Science, Soil Science, or a related field of study with extensive experience in water resources and hydrology, soil and water conservation, and irrigation design and management;
OR
- Degree (Bachelors of Science) in Engineering, Bioresource Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, or related field of study with extensive experiences in water resource engineering and hydrology, soil conservation and irrigation design and management;
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Experience in, and understanding of, the agriculture industry relevant to local agriculture production and practices.
- Experience in computer applications including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, geospatial data, and GIS software (ArcGIS).
- Must be eligible for membership in the Association of Professional Engineers of PEI or membership in the PEI Institute of Agrologists.
- Must demonstrate excellent skills in project management, communication, conflict resolution, organization and extensions practices.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Preference will be given to UPSE Civil Employees as per the UPSE Civil Collective Agreement.
Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
No. 6 on Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers 2024
The Public Service is inspired to make a positive impact and proud to shape the future of our Island Community.
