Dam Safety Engineer

State of Montana•Helena, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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.