Natural Resource Engineer I - II

• $2,500 Hiring Incentive! *

Current Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Employees do NOT qualify for Hiring Incentive

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 27362

Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources/Division of Water

Location: Pierre

Salary: $31.66 to $38.51 per hour, depending on experience

Pay Grade: E1 or E2

Closing Date: 07/15/2024

This is a full-time 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 regulating the appropriation of water in South Dakota in a responsible manner to promote economic development in an environmentally responsible manner. Through regulation of water use, DANR Water Rights Program ensures that withdrawals from surface water and groundwater sources are put to beneficial use to the fullest extent they are capable and not over appropriated in order to maintain our water resources into perpetuity for future generations.

Entering public service provides you opportunity to become a steward of public policy and contribute to improvements that are vital to quality of life. You will join a team of engineers and program assistants who work together to administer South Dakota's water rights law to regulate and protect our water resources. This work involves:

• conducting technical engineering review of requests to use the state's water to determine if water is available and whether a new diversion can be developed without impairment to existing uses;
• inspecting constructed water use systems and dams to ensure sites are properly and safely constructed;
• participating in the Program's semi-annual lake level survey;
• assisting to manage the state's observation well network;
• assisting of the South Dakota dam safety program including inspection of dams, review of plans and specification and administration of federal dam safety grants;
• conducting complaint investigations involving water use and working to resolve disputes;
• assist in licensing well drillers and ensuring wells are completed in accordance with construction standards;
• testify as an expert before the South Dakota Water Management Board regarding technical review of applications to appropriate water;
• providing technical assistance and excellent customer service for water right related issues.

Your daily work will be meaningful and you will contribute to something bigger than yourself.

Benefits of Working for DANR:

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.

We offer extensive training opportunities related to this position 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 through 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. You will be working under a licensed engineer that will provide the training and experience that allows you to pursue your Professional Engineering license. Also, a valid South Dakota driver's license is required to be obtained.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

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 and improving management of our water resources. 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:

• knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental, geological or civil engineering;
• knowledge of investigative procedures;
• skill to make appropriate decisions by applying established engineering guidelines;
• effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work activities to meet schedules and deadlines;
• ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• ability to work effectively with a team of engineers and scientists to protect South Dakota's water resources;
• ability understand and achieve department objectives.

You will be expected to routinely communicate and coordinate with other engineers and scientists, other agencies, and the public; therefore, good communication skills are essential.

Additional Requirements: Please attach a resume with your application.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

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 $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven 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.

Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=Q5J

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"