Engineer I or II

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Health benefits package

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

State of South Dakota is seeking a Waste Management Engineer I/II to support the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Pierre. The role focuses on implementing waste management regulatory policies to protect health and the environment and to review permits for solid waste facilities.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an engineering field and demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills, with opportunities for training and advancement within the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental, geological, civil, or related engineering field.
• Strong communication and coordination with engineers, scientists, agencies, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and prepare technical reports and permits for solid waste facilities.
• Analyze groundwater monitoring data and review landfill plans; support regulatory compliance.
• Assist in regulatory work to protect health and the environment and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Engineering principles

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

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

Job description

Job ID: 37084

Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $32.85 - $34.49/hr, depending on qualifications + $2,500 Hiring & Retention Incentive

Pay Grade: E2

Closing Date: 09/21/2026

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance. DANR treats every person as a customer and maintains a high level of integrity through transparent government services and science-based decision making.

Are you looking for an organization that values a work-life balance? This position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave, and staff work a 40-hour week. The state of South Dakota also offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.

Do you desire a career that will provide you with professional growth opportunities? A successful applicant will be a member of the Waste Management Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Waste Management Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career.

What You Will Do

As part of the Waste Management Program, you will play an important role in implementing waste management regulatory policies to protect human health and the environment. Our team is responsible for regulatory work to protect human health and the environment as it relates to municipal and commercial garbage, waste tires, yard waste, construction and demolition debris, contaminated soil, and medical waste. The waste management program is responsible for actively implementing over 240 solid waste disposal permits, conducting inspections at disposal facilities, writing technical reports, reviewing plans and specifications for waste disposal facilities, and investigating complaints related to solid waste disposal.

Duties May Include The Following

• Conducting solid waste field inspections;
• Preparing inspection reports, technical reports, and written correspondence;
• Analyzing ground water monitoring well data for municipal solid waste landfill;
• Recommending changes to landfill ground water monitoring plans;
• Reviewing applications and drafting permits for solid waste facilities;
• Organizing and maintaining environmental databases and analyzing environmental data;
• Providing technical information and assistance to colleagues, other state and federal agencies, and members of the public with customer service being a high priority.

Benefits Of Working For DANR

• DANR offers a $2,500 hiring and retention incentive, with half paid by your second paycheck and the remainder after 15 months of service. (Note: Current state employees are not eligible.)
• The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.
• South Dakota state government understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour week which leaves plenty of time to enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer.

Based on the applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities, and work experience, this position may be hired as a Engineer I or Engineer II at the appropriate salary for the Engineer level hired. Information on the Engineer career family and positions can be viewed as a pdf download at: https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=354a86ad1b766a10f744edb5604bcbeb.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 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.

Desire to achieve and maintain MOLO certification. MOLO (Manager of Landfill Operations) is someone who is knowledgeable of the operation, permitting, maintenance, monitoring, and regulatory compliance of a landfill facility who is certified through the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).

A valid Drivers license is required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

Only applicants that possess a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental, geological, civil, or related engineering field will be considered. Communicating and coordinating with other engineers and scientists, other agencies, and the public is required; therefore, good communication skills are essential.

We Are Looking For Candidates That Have

• Knowledge of basic engineering principles and standards.
• Ability to learn federal and state solid waste regulations.
• Ability to apply basic engineering principles to the design, construction, and operation of landfills and solid waste facilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in an organized and timely manner.
• Ability to learn and a willingness to be challenged.
• Ability to set goals and work independently or in a team setting to achieve them.
• Skill to communicate with the public, be self-motivated, and organized.
• Ability to work in collaborative team environments.

Additional Requirements:

To be considered, please attach your resume, transcript, and a writing sample.

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

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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"