Environmental Engineer I

Job ID: 18941

Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources/Water Rights Program

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $27.17 - $29.12 per hour

Closing Date: 05/03/2022

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/.

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve the state’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources with the vision of a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

DANR’s Water Rights Program is looking for a talented engineer to join our team. You must have a demonstrated ability as a technically minded problem-solver, with strong numerical and scientific capability. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have a team player attitude and a strong desire to learn.

Our team is responsible for helping grow South Dakota by working with water users to promote economic development in an environmentally responsible manner. Entering public service provides you the opportunity to become a steward of public policy and contribute to the improvements that are vital to quality of life. You will join a team of engineers who work together to administer the use of South Dakota’s surface and groundwater resources to ensure our water resources are maintained in a sustainable manner for future generations.

This work involves:

The Water Rights Program make recommendations whether to approve, defer or denial of applications for water right permits to place the state's water to beneficial use. Common water uses include irrigation, commercial, municipal or other drinking water systems. This is achieved by working with a team of engineers and other department professionals in evaluating the state's water resources. Your daily work is meaningful and you will contribute to something bigger than yourself. 

Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., five days per week. The position requires frequent contact with the general public and the regulated community. Travel will be required, which may include several consecutive days in the field conducting inspections of water use system, dams, and complaints. Office work includes sitting or standing at a desk and using a computer. Successful applicant will be required to provide expert technical testimony at hearings before the Water Management Board.

We offer a $2,500 hiring and retention incentive; the first half of the incentive will be paid to you by your second paycheck. The remainder of the incentive is paid after you have worked with us for 15 months.

The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the top retirement systems in the nation.

The state of South Dakota understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour work week, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy all that central South Dakota has to offer.

This job is an entry-level engineering position, and we offer extensive training opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. DANR cares about its employees and their career development. We offer the opportunity for career advancement in both technical and managerial tracks. You will work with and under the direction of licensed Professional Engineers and we offer incentives to obtain your Professional Engineering license. In addition to this, DANR offers development opportunities for employees throughout the year. This is not just a job; it is an opportunity to start your career. 

Licenses and Certifications:

Our department values professional licensure. We will give preference to candidates that have successfully passed the Engineer-In-Training/Fundamentals of Engineering exam or have the ability to obtain the license. We will provide the training and experience that allows you to pursue your Professional Engineering license.

Ability to obtain a valid South Dakota drivers license is required.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills. We are looking for someone who wants to serve the citizens of South Dakota by protecting our water while growing our economy. Only applicants that possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental, civil, geological, or related engineering field will be considered. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You will use your knowledge, skills, and abilities to help South Dakota grow and to protect our beautiful natural resources.

We are looking for candidates that have:

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.