Environmental Engineer I

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Health insurance option

11 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

SDRS retirement benefits

Job summary

The Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources - Office of Water in Pierre, SD, is seeking an Environmental Engineer to support the NPDES program, solve technical problems, and ensure surface water protection. The role requires collaboration with industries, municipalities, and agencies, with in-state travel for inspections.

Ideal candidates hold an ABET-accredited engineering degree in a related field; an EIT is preferred.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree; environmental, chemical, civil, geological, or related field.
• EIT is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Surface Water Discharge (NPDES) program to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Inspect wastewater or industrial facilities and conduct inspections.
• Analyze data, write reports, and interpret rules and permit conditions.
• Collaborate with industries, municipalities, engineers, scientists, agencies and the public.
• Travel in-state for inspections and partner coordination; very occasional out-of-state travel for training or conferences.

Skills

Water quality modeling

Pollutant load modeling

Data analysis

Collaboration

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree (environmental/chemical/civil/geological)

EIT preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerBI

ArcGIS

Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources - Office of Water

Location:Pierre, SDSalary: Minimum of $32.85/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: E1

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

South Dakota's Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR) Water Quality Program is seeking an Environmental Engineer to support the state's Surface Water Discharge (NPDES) program. This position involves working with industries and municipalities to solve technical problems, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect South Dakota's surface water resources.

This role includes some in-state travel for inspections and partner coordination, and very occasional out-of-state travel for training or conferences. Candidates should be good communicators, technically minded problem solvers with strong motivation, a willingness to learn, and a collaborative mindset.

Our program helps support the state's economic development while protecting water quality and public health. Joining our team means contributing to public policy, improving quality of life, and working alongside engineers and scientists committed to safeguarding South Dakota's water resources.

We strongly encourage the pursuit of a Professional Engineering license and provide ongoing professional development to support this goal. This position offers more than just a job- it offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service.

DANR offers a $2,500 hiring and retention incentive (half paid by second paycheck, half after 15 months; not available to current state employees).

This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, working in both field and office environments. For more information on the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/ .

Licenses and Certifications:

Applicants must have an ABET accredited engineering degree (environmental, chemical, civil, geological etc.). An EIT is preferred but not required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

The ideal candidate is eager to learn and demonstrates strong problem solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Candidates must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental, chemical, civil, geological, or a related engineering field from an ABET accredited college.

Knowledge of:

• environmental and civil engineering principles and practices;
• pollution sources and control methods; and
• state and federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act, ARSD and SDCL.

Skills to:

• perform water quality and pollutant load modeling;
• use standard and advanced software (Microsoft Office, PowerBI, ArcGIS, etc.); and
• collaborate with engineers, scientists, agencies, and the public.

Ability to:

• make decisions using established engineering guidelines;
• conduct detailed inspections of wastewater or industrial facilities;
• write reports, analyze data, and interpret rules and permit conditions;
• provide effective customer service;
• communicate clearly in writing and speech; and
• work collaboratively with a team to protect South Dakota's water quality.

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'

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