Water Resource Engineer Manager for Dam Safety Program

North Dakota Department of Water Resources; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

North Dakota Department of Water Resources seeks a Dam Safety Manager to oversee the Regulatory Division’s dam safety duties, including supervising two staff members. You will guide permit processing, inspections, and compliance while coordinating with the Director and State Engineer.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory experience, and GIS proficiency, with travel to field sites as needed and collaboration with state agencies and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in civil or water resources engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory/administrative engineering experience.
• Minimum 4 years of geotechnical/hydrology/hydraulics experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in ND or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Oversee dam safety permit applications, complaints, inspections, and database management.
• Provide direction to staff for processing dam construction permits and develop recommendations for Director.
• Manage FEMA National Dam Safety Program grant for North Dakota.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or water resources

Tools

GIS

Database management

Job description

Summary Of Work

This position is responsible for the administration and management of the Regulatory Division's Dam Safety duties, including the direct supervision of two employees.

Summary Of Work

This position is responsible for the administration and management of the Regulatory Division's Dam Safety duties, including the direct supervision of two employees.

Duties and Tasks

• Oversee the dam safety section on the timely processing and workload development of dam permit applications, complaints, appeals, inspections, and agency database management.
• Provide direction and oversight to staff for the processing of dam construction permit applications, which involves project analysis and development of a recommendation to the Director and State Engineer.
• Manage the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Dam Safety Program grant for North Dakota.
• Facilitate and communicate the routine field inspections of dams, including investigation or problems, complaints, or emergency situations to dam owners.
• Testify and represent the Department in legal matters concerning the functions of the section. This position will also represent the Department in the providing testimony to the North Dakota legislature as directed.
• Review the work of staff for consistency and applicable methods of processing.
• Process emergency dam construction applications in abbreviated time frames.
• Assist the public and local entities in understanding the dam permitting processes.
• Attend meetings with other Department staff to support and advise in the dam permitting process.
• Administer contract development and solicitation for Dam Safety projects.
• Review, advise, and implement code and policy improvements.
• Represent the division director, in their absence, at applicable public meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant administrative engineering or supervisory experience or comparable professional experience.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in geotechnical analysis, surface water hydrology, and hydraulics or comparable professional experience.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of North Dakota, or ability to obtain licensure within 12 months of hire.
• PE registration in another state with ability to register in North Dakota within twelve months will also be considered.
• Demonstrated proficency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications and tools.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong database management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Must be able and willing to travel as necessary.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb over fences, and navigate varying field conditions encountered during dam inspections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education emphasis or career experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Two years of professional experience working in a regulatory capacity.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams.
• Skilled in public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Experience working with various levels of government.
• Hydraulic & hydrologic modeling experience.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

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• The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.

For questions regarding this position's duties or requirements, please contact Missy Schmidt at [phone] or [e-mail].