Chief Engineer

Kansas Department of Agriculture; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 147,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Sick leave

Vacation leave

State holidays

Retirement plan

Fitness centers

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kansas Department of Agriculture seeks a Chief Engineer to lead the Water Management Services, Water Structures, and Water Appropriations programs. You will develop policies, oversee regulatory work, and coordinate with state and interstate water entities to safeguard public safety and water resources.

You will represent the division in legislative matters, review technical plans, and guide agency efforts across multiple programs, while traveling as needed to support operations and collaboration.

Qualifications

• This position requires licensure as a Professional Engineer in Kansas.
• Eight years of water resources engineering/management experience with supervisory responsibility.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Water Management Services, Water Structures, and Water Appropriations programs.
• Develop administrative policies, procedures, and rules for these programs.
• Ensure compliance with interstate river compacts and engage with multi-state organizations.
• Provide technical reviews of applications, plans, and inspections related to water projects.
• Represent the division in legislative matters and coordinate interagency activities.

Skills

Professional Engineer

Water resources

Supervisory experience

Public speaking

Written and verbal communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Agricultural/Environmental Engineering

Job description

This position will remain posted until November 6 for full consideration.

Location: KDA Headquarters - Riley, County Kansas

Job Summary:

The Chief Engineer administers laws related to conservation, management, use and control of water and watercourses in Kansas.The administration of these laws involves major regulatory duties and responsibilities and professional engineering work related to relevant statutes, regulations, standards, and programs.

This position will direct the efforts of and serve as the direct supervisor of the Water Management Services program, the Water Structures program, and the Water Appropriations program. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the development of administrative policies and procedures and formal rules and regulations within these programs.

Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with interstate river compacts and engaging with multi-state organizations on behalf of the state of Kansas. This position protects public safety by providing appropriate technical review of various applications, plans, and inspections of levees, stream obstructions, and channel improvements pursuant to the Obstructions in Streams Act and levee laws.

The position represents the Division by developing legislative proposals, preparing and presenting legislative testimony, and monitoring and reacting to legislative agendas and action; attends and presents information at meetings of local, state and federal agencies and the private sector.

Supervises, coordinates, implements and monitors the development of agency requests and programs and interagency cooperation regarding issues involving water quality and quantity in order to assure the effective and efficient utilization of state funds.

Travel both in-state and out-of-state travel is required and may include overnight stays.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed as a Professional Engineer by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.


• Eight years of experience in water resources engineering or management, hydrology, or water law administration, including supervisory experience.


• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering or similar program.


• Training and experience in human, financial, physical, and informational management including planning, organizing, staffing, evaluating techniques, and team building.


• Senior leadership experience in establishing and maintaining working relationships with broad agricultural and water partners (e.g. surrounding states, Kansas stakeholder associations and other operating groups).


• Proven experience in working with public and private partnership included but not limited to state and local government entities.


• Must have good public speaking, written and verbal communication skills.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone


• Classified/Unclassified Service: Classified


• Full/Part-time: Full-Time


• Work Schedule: Days (8am to 5pm)


• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes


• Veteran Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Civil service salary pay range: $147,409.60 to $154,876.80

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage


• Sick & Vacation leave


• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave


• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)


• Fitness Centers in select locations


• Employee discounts with the STAR Program


• Retirement and deferred compensation programs