Dam Safety Engineer

State of Montana•Helena, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus for qualifying employees, as described here , in the amount of $ Applicants who are working toward their Professional Engineer (PE) license are encouraged to apply. We are open to hiring at different levels (Engineering Intern, Engineering Analyst, or Professional Engineer) and may consider a training assignment for well ‑ qualified candidates who do not yet meet all minimum qualifications. Individuals who do not currently hold a PE license, but who have passed the FE exam and hold an Engineer Intern certificate and meet the educational requirements may be eligible for support with job ‑ related education and coursework, including tuition reimbursement, to help them progress toward licensure. Those with a current Montana PE license are eligible for a $6,000 sign ‑ on bonus if they are new to State of Montana employment or have not worked for the State in the past six months. Pay is based on education, experience, and licensure, with opportunities to advance to higher pay levels as you gain experience and meet performance benchmarks. Work Unit Overview: The State of Montana, through DNRC Water Resource Division’s State Water Projects Bureau, administers the operation, maintenance, management, and rehabilitation of State-owned water projects including 23 dams and over 250 miles of irrigation canals. The Bureau provides oversight of these projects by delivering inspection, instrumentation, engineering, and operation services. Job Overview: DNRC is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated Professional Engineer or Engineer Intern to join our team for a physically demanding yet rewarding career. The role requires not just strong engineering skills but also the ability to work in challenging conditions, often outdoors on the dams and their appurtenant structures. This position requires a Montana PE license and civil engineering expertise to perform an extensive range of engineering functions relating to the operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and modification of State-owned dams. Applicants holding an Engineer Intern certificate will also be considered. The success of the State Water Projects Bureau dam safety program requires a strong and diverse engineering background including formal education, specialized training, and design experience specifically related to water conveyance, storage, and dams. The dam safety program exists to ensure continued safe and reliable dam operation, in accordance with state and federal dam safety regulations.

Requirements

This position requires a thorough knowledge of all fields of civil engineering with emphasis on geotechnical, hydrologic, hydraulic, and structural engineering, dam design and operation, and civil and water resources construction practices.
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or other closely related engineering field from an ABET or similarly accredited program.
Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE); PE licensure in Montana is required within 6-months of hire.
A minimum of two years of applicable professional experience (post-PE licensure) is desired\: alternatives will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants who are actively working toward PE licensure (for example, those holding EI status with qualifying experience) are encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of civil engineering as it may be applied to the design, construction, repair, and modification of dams. This should include education and experience in a relevant specialized field such as geotechnical, hydrologic, hydraulic, or structural engineering.
Knowledge sufficient to sign regulatory dam inspection and evaluation reports with the implied assurances of a professional engineering license.
Ability to assess whether conditions observed in the field or determined through technical review or analysis pose a serious risk.
Ability to make correct and timely decisions in the field using in-depth experience and sound judgement.
Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to clearly present complex technical information.
Experience with construction, field instrumentation, water measurement, soil and concrete testing, geologic and geotechnical drilling.
Experience with CAD, GIS, hydrologic, hydraulic, geotechnical modeling programs, and databases.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recently complete 36 months.
Applicants must be able to work in a variety of field conditions including traversing sloped earthen embankments, spillways, and uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, working in gate towers, conduits, manholes, and other confined spaces.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the Bureau’s annual dam safety and O&M inspection program.
Conduct annual dam safety and O&M inspections on all State Water Projects Bureau owned dams.
Coordinate the Bureau’s efforts for inspection, reporting, and submittal of Five-Year Engineer’s Dam Evaluations on State-regulated high-hazard dams in support of operation permit renewals, and similar efforts for federally regulated dams. This includes managing contracts for Five-Year Engineer’s Evaluations performed by private engineering consultants
Conduct and prepare regulatory Five-Year Engineer’s Evaluations for high-hazard dams.
Perform engineering design, project management, and contract management on maintenance, repair, modification, regulatory evaluation, and technical analysis projects.
Responsible for assessing the condition and performance of State-owned dams, identifying potential dam safety issues, and recommending corrective actions and repair alternatives to ensure continued safe and reliable operation.
Responsible for identifying, prioritizing and recommending operations related maintenance and repair actions.
Provide engineering support and technical assistance and oversight for ongoing project operations and modifications.
Coordinate inspections, maintenance activities, and repair projects with other DNRC staff, water user associations, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other parties.
Work is typically performed in the office; however, this position requires extensive travel and fieldwork. Travel may occur under various weather conditions, extend beyond normal business hours, comprise approximately 30% of total work time, and be periodic in nature. As the primary point of contact and subject matter expert, the incumbent may be required to work beyond normal business hours to meet deadlines or respond to incidents or emergencies which may affect the safety of State-owned dams and ultimately downstream property and life.

Benefits

Live and work in Helena, Montana , which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities , including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.
Work/life balance with potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees in exempt positions may accrue one-half hour of compensatory time for each one-hour in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek.
Longevity pay with continued state service.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
Retirement plans ( Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.