Engineer I

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Job summary

State of South Dakota’s Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking an Engineer I to support the Air Quality Program in Pierre or Sioux Falls. You will conduct engineering reviews, model emissions, write permits and perform inspections to ensure compliance with environmental rules.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's or master's in a relevant engineering field, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn through mentorship and court supervision.

Qualifications

• Must have a degree in a relevant engineering field (civil/environmental/mechanical or related).
• Strong communication, written and oral, and ability to document findings clearly.
• Proficiency with computer tools and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Review permit applications, plans, specifications and modeling for air quality; determine compliance with state and federal rules.
• Model emission sources to assess ambient air standards compliance.
• Prepare air quality permits meeting regulatory requirements.
• Inspect facilities to ensure permit compliance and proper operation of control equipment.
• Recommend actions to protect natural resources.
• Coordinate with engineers, agencies and the public.
• Travel to field sites about every other month for inspections.

Skills

Environmental engineering knowledge

Effective communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in civil/environmental/mechanical engineering

Job 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, SD
Salary: $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 visit https://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;
• investigative procedures;
• 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.

Additional Requirements

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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"