Environmental Engineer I

the South Dakota State Government • Pierre, SD

51d • Hybrid

About The Position

South Dakota's Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR) Water Quality Program is seeking an Environmental Engineer to support the state's Surface Water Discharge (NPDES) program. This position involves working with industries and municipalities to solve technical problems, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect South Dakota's surface water resources. This role includes some in-state travel for inspections and partner coordination, and very occasional out-of-state travel for training or conferences. Candidates should be good communicators, technically minded problem solvers with strong motivation, a willingness to learn, and a collaborative mindset. Our program helps support the state's economic development while protecting water quality and public health. Joining our team means contributing to public policy, improving quality of life, and working alongside engineers and scientists committed to safeguarding South Dakota's water resources. We strongly encourage the pursuit of a Professional Engineering license and provide ongoing professional development to support this goal. This position offers more than just a job- it offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service.

Requirements

• ABET accredited engineering degree (environmental, chemical, civil, geological etc.).
• Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental, chemical, civil, geological, or a related engineering field from an ABET accredited college.
• Knowledge of environmental and civil engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of pollution sources and control methods.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act, ARSD and SDCL.
• Ability to perform water quality and pollutant load modeling.
• Ability to use standard and advanced software (Microsoft Office, PowerBI, ArcGIS, etc.).
• Ability to collaborate with engineers, scientists, agencies, and the public.
• Ability to make decisions using established engineering guidelines.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speech.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team to protect South Dakota's water quality.
• Must apply online.
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
• Complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.

Nice To Haves

• EIT is preferred but not required.
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Good communicators.
• Technically minded problem solvers with strong motivation.
• Willingness to learn.
• Collaborative mindset.
• Possess a National Career Readiness Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Support the state's Surface Water Discharge (NPDES) program.
• Work with industries and municipalities to solve technical problems.
• Ensure regulatory compliance.
• Protect South Dakota's surface water resources.
• Conduct in-state travel for inspections and partner coordination.
• Occasionally travel out-of-state for training or conferences.
• Contribute to public policy.
• Improve quality of life.
• Work alongside engineers and scientists committed to safeguarding South Dakota's water resources.
• Conduct detailed inspections of wastewater or industrial facilities.
• Write reports.
• Analyze data.
• Interpret rules and permit conditions.
• Provide effective customer service.
• Communicate clearly in writing and speech.
• Work collaboratively with a team to protect South Dakota's water quality.

Benefits

• $2,500 hiring and retention incentive (half paid by second paycheck, half after 15 months; not available to current state employees).
• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits.
• Member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree