Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer (35225)

State of Montana

11h

About The Position

What if your next engineering role combined hands-on floodplain technical analysis, direct community impact, and the opportunity to protect Montana families and businesses from flood risk? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking a skilled Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer to manage and implement our statewide engineering technical assistance program. If you're an accomplished engineer who thrives on complex water resources challenges, values meaningful public service, and wants to make a direct difference for Montana communities, this is your opportunity to build a career that matters. Why You Should Apply Lead a Statewide Program: Direct Montana's Technical Assistance Program, which supports responsible floodplain development across the state. Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Impact: Apply advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to floodplain management needs across the state. Help shape the future of Montana’s floodplain management: Help set best practices in responsible floodplain development across the state while balancing the need for clear and efficient permitting practices. Work-Life Balance in Big Sky Country: With only 15%25 travel and telework eligibility, enjoy more time for the Montana outdoor lifestyle you love while leading work that matters. Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division Valuing People Stewardship Service Credibility Engagement Candidates with Montana professional engineering license may be eligible for a $6000 sign-on bonus for employees new to state government or rehires who have not worked for the State in the previous 6 months.The selected candidate may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. This position is eligible for a 2.5%25 base pay increase effective July 2026. This position is being posted at the same time as a similar position: State Floodplain Engineer Supervisor. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for both positions.

Requirements

Alternative combinations of the education and experience listed below will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent
Three (3) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in engineering with emphasis on hydrology and/or hydraulics.
Montana Professional Engineer (PE) license, or Engineering Intern certification with ability to obtain PE licensure within one year of hire.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Montana.

Nice To Haves

Certified Floodplain Manager certification.
Practical knowledge and experience with floodplain studies and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Familiarity with Montana’s floodplain regulations.
Experience in hydrology, hydraulics, fluvial mechanics & geomorphology, and/or river restoration & remediation.
Experience with technical/data requirements for floodplain development permits.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present technical information clearly to varied audiences.
Ability to work independently using professional engineering judgment to guide program activities during both regular operations and emergency situations.

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate floodplain permit applications to ensure engineering sufficiency and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including analysis of FEMA map revisions (CLOMR/LOMR) and related engineering submittals.
Provide technical consultation and support for communities and local floodplain administrators on project design, permitting, and regulatory requirements, including conducting site visits and performing or reviewing engineering analyses.
Develop and maintain program guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training materials for the DNRC Engineering Floodplain Technical Assistance program, ensuring consistency and clarity in technical assistance delivery.
Serve as the primary state liaison with FEMA and project applicants for all floodplain mapping revisions, overseeing review processes, facilitating communication, and helping resolve technical or compliance issues.
Manage records and reporting related to mapping changes, permit actions, and technical requests, ensuring accurate documentation and archiving for state and federal programs.
Deliver technical assistance through community engineering programs and manage mapping alterations and revisions for Montana communities.
Analyze and interpret the results of new or revised floodplain studies for regulatory compliance, technical adequacy, and mapping accuracy. Support procurement and management of engineering contracts for studies and mapping projects.
Contribute to updates of state model floodplain ordinances and interpret changing engineering statutes and policies, supporting communities in their adoption and implementation.

Benefits

Live and work in your choice of Montana communities – this position may be based in Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, Lewistown, Havre, Glasgow, Helena, or Bozeman. Each location offers unique opportunities and natural beauty, with Montana providing abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.
Work/life balance with flexible schedules and telework eligibility.
Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
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.