Environmental Engineer I (Job Id 14781)
*** $2,500 Hiring Incentive! ***
Job ID: 14781
Agency: Department of Environment and Natural Resources / Division of Environmental Services / Water Rights Program
Location: Pierre
Salary: $25.37 per hour
Pay Grade: E1
Closing Date: 10/14/2020
This is a full-time position with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, please visit http://denr.sd.gov/.
This position is with the Water Rights Program and works with the orderly development of the state's ground water and surface water resources. The Water Rights Program recommends to the Water Management Board approval or denial of applications for water right permits that allow people, businesses, or governmental agencies to use a specified amount of ground water or surface water for certain beneficial uses such as irrigation, industrial processes, or drinking water systems. This is achieved by working with a team of engineers and other department professionals in evaluating the state's water resources; reviewing applications to put water to beneficial use; writing technical reports determining the impacts of additional development on existing water resources and permits; inspecting constructed facilities for compliance with permit conditions, state statutes, and regulations, and licensing; working with water users to resolve disputes; working with well drillers and pump installers to comply with the state's licensing requirements; and inspecting dams to insure compliance with dam safety regulations.
A valid driver license is required.
Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m.. - 5:00 p.m., five days per week. This position requires frequent contact with the general public and the regulated community.
Some travel is required to conduct inspections of irrigation and other water use systems and dams, complaint inspections, and lake level surveys and complete observation well runs. Successful applicant will be required to provide expert technical testimony at hearings before the Water Management Board.
This position will be trained in the Incident Command System and will be available to work in South Dakota's Emergency Operations Center during times when the Governor declares an emergency. This includes working outside the standard 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. workday and over weekends if called upon.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Only applicants that possess a bachelor's/master's degree in geological, environmental, civil, agricultural, or related engineering field will be considered. Applicants that have successfully passed the Engineer-In-Training/Fundamentals of Engineering license or the ability to obtain the license and will seek a Professional Engineer license after becoming eligible to take the exam are preferred.
Knowledge of:
- the state's geology, ground water resources, and surface water resources;
- the practical application of engineering. This includes knowledge of applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to solve hydrology and hydrogeological engineering problems. Knowledge of dam design, construction, hydrology, and function will be helpful;
- investigative procedures;
- the principles and processes for providing customer service;
- irrigation methods;
- well drilling techniques is helpful.
Skill to:
- accurately apply mathematics and engineering practices to solve problems;
- accurately use scientific rules and methods to solve problems;
- effectively work with co-workers and contributing to a team of engineers;
- provide good customer service to the regulated community and the public by treating everyone as a customer, and providing exceptional customer service that exceeds their expectations to all customers;
- provide testimony on technical reports to the Board of Water Management during contested case hearings;
- effectively use computers, Microsoft Office programs, and various software programs applicable to the position;
- effectively use ArcGIS and ArcMap.
Ability to:
- read, interpret, and evaluate engineering plans and specifications for acceptable engineering practices and state standards;
- organize, analyze, and evaluate available information to draw reasonable conclusions;
- use time management skills to work on multiple projects;
- calmly and effectively listen to and discuss complaints, technical information, and statutory and regulatory requirements of water rights with the department's customers;
- communicate effectively.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE
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 offers paid employee health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation leave accrual, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information please visit https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Apply by clicking on the green "Apply Externally" button.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Fax: 605.773.4344
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"