Engineer I

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Retirement benefits

Health insurance options

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking an Engineer I to support the Air Quality Program in Pierre or Sioux Falls. The role focuses on permitting, modeling, and inspections to protect air quality and natural resources.

Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, licensure eligibility, and strong communication skills. A $2,500 hiring incentive is offered, with comprehensive onboarding and mentorship and opportunities for advancement within public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in agricultural, chemical, civil, environmental, geological, mechanical, or related engineering field.
• Knowledge of environmental controls and natural resources engineering.
• Experience or ability to obtain professional engineering licensure; strong report writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering reviews of permit applications, plans and specifications, modeling, and air pollution control technology.
• Model air emission sources to ensure compliance with ambient air quality standards.
• Write air quality permits ensuring state and federal requirements are met.
• Conduct inspections of grain elevators, manufacturers, ethanol plants, and electric power plants for permit compliance.
• Travel may occur up to monthly to field inspections.

Skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in engineering

Job description

Pierre, SD | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

32.85 - 32.85 US per hour

Posted a week ago | Apply before September 28, 2026

Description

*** $2,500 Hiring Incentive! ***
Current Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Employees do NOT qualify for Hiring Incentive

Job ID: 37307
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location: Pierre, SD or Sioux Falls, SDSalary: $32.85 Hourly
Pay Grade: E1
Closing Date: 09/28/2026

Are you looking for an organization that values a work-life balance? Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? Help the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources make a difference in meeting our vision of a South Dakota with a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources strives to treat everyone as a customer while promoting a prosperous economy and protecting South Dakota’s environment. The department consists of a strong, dedicated, bright team of engineers, scientists, administrative assistants, and more. The people and the assignments make the department a challenging, stimulating, exciting place to begin and advance a career. The department invests in each employee with our onboarding program, mentoring, and variety of work experiences that will provide you with new challenges.

This Engineer I position will support the Air Quality Program within the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This position ensures the protection of South Dakota's air quality by implementing the state's air quality program as follows:

• Conduct engineering reviews of permit applications, plans and specifications, modeling, existing air quality data, and air pollution control technology to determine if the proposed equipment and operations are capable of meeting all state and federal environmental requirements;
• Model air emission sources to determine compliance with ambient air quality standards;
• Write air quality permits that ensure state and federal environmental requirements are met;
• Conduct inspections of a variety of operations and air pollution control technology at grain elevators, manufacturers, ethanol plants, electric peaking plants, coal-fired electric power plants, etc. to ensure permitted facilities are constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and properly operated in compliance with the permit conditions;
• Recommend corrective action where necessary to protect the state’s natural resources;
• Communicate and coordinate with other engineers, other agencies, and the public routinely; and
• Travel may occur once every other month, which may include several consecutive days in the field conducting inspections.

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position. For more information on the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visithttps://danr.sd.gov/ .

Licenses and Certifications:
DANR values professional licensure. Preference will be given to candidates that have successfully passed the Engineer-In-Training/Fundamentals of Engineering exam or have the ability to obtain a license. As an entry-level engineering role, this position offers extensive training and mentorship from licensed Professional Engineers, along with opportunities for advancement in both technical and managerial tracks. DANR supports your pursuit of a Professional Engineering license and provides ongoing professional development throughout the year. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to build a meaningful career in public service.

A valid driver’s license is required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Only applicants that possess a bachelor's/master's degree in agricultural, chemical, civil, environmental, geological, mechanical, or related engineering field will be considered.

Knowledge of:

• principles of environmental and natural resources engineering;
• principles and practices of environmental controls and natural resources fields;
• causes and control of air pollution;
• technical report writing.

Skill to:

• use computers and Microsoft Office products;
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• interpret and implement laws and regulations governing environmental and natural resources engineering procedures and practices;
• effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work activities to meet schedules and deadlines;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers;
• make appropriate decisions by applying standards and available information to specific situations;
• communicate information clearly and concisely and develop ideas in a logical sequence;
• analyze problems and recommend solutions;
• understand and achieve department objectives.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.