Environmental Engineer I

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

eleven paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Dental and vision insurance

Job summary

State of South Dakota's Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources invites applications for an Environmental Engineer to support the Surface Water Discharge program. The role involves working with industries and municipalities to solve technical problems and ensure regulatory compliance while protecting water resources.

The ideal candidate holds an ABET-accredited degree in environmental, chemical, civil, or related engineering fields, with EIT preferred.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree (environmental, chemical, civil, geological, or related).
• EIT preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Surface Water Discharge (NPDES) program and regulatory compliance.
• Perform inspections of wastewater and industrial facilities.
• Prepare reports, analyze data, and interpret permit conditions.
• Collaborate with industries, municipalities, and agencies to protect water resources.
• Provide professional communication and customer service.

Job description

Job ID: 37609
Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources - Office of Water
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: Minimum of $32.85/hr, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: E1
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Title: Environmental Engineer

Position Summary: 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.

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"