Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer

Position: Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer (35225)
Bring Your Engineering Expertise to Montana's Communities!

What if your next engineering role combined hands-on floodplain technical analysis, direct community impact, and the opportunity to protect Montana families and businesses from flood risk? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking a skilled Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer to manage and implement our statewide engineering technical assistance program. If you're an accomplished engineer who thrives on complex water resources challenges, values meaningful public service, and wants to make a direct difference for Montana communities, this is your opportunity to build a career that matters.

Why You Should Apply

* Lead a Statewide Program:
Direct Montana's Technical Assistance Program, which supports responsible floodplain development across the state.

* Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Impact:
Apply advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to floodplain management needs across the state.

* Help shape the future of Montana's floodplain management:
Help set best practices in responsible floodplain development across the state while balancing the need for clear and efficient permitting practices.

* Work-Life Balance in Big Sky Country:
With only 15% travel and telework eligibility, enjoy more time for the Montana outdoor lifestyle you love while leading work that matters.

Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division

* Valuing People

* Stewardship

* Service

* Credibility

* Engagement

Applicants who are working toward their Professional Engineer (PE) license are encouraged to apply. We are open to hiring at different levels (Engineering Intern, Engineering Analyst, or Professional Engineer) and may consider a training assignment for well‑qualified candidates who do not yet meet all minimum qualifications

Individuals who do not currently hold a PE license, but who have passed the FE exam and hold an Engineer Intern certificate and meet the educational requirements may be eligible for support with job‑related education and coursework, including tuition reimbursement, to help them progress toward licensure.

Those with a current Montana PE license are eligible for a $6,000 sign‑on bonus if they are new to State of Montana employment or have not worked for the State in the past six months.

Pay is based on education, experience, and licensure, with opportunities to advance to higher pay levels as you gain experience and meet performance benchmarks.

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities)

As the Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer, you will:

* Review and evaluate floodplain permit applications to ensure engineering sufficiency and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including analysis of FEMA map revisions (CLOMR/LOMR) and related engineering submittals.

* Provide technical consultation and support for communities and local floodplain administrators on project design, permitting, and regulatory requirements, including conducting site visits and performing or reviewing engineering analyses.

* Develop and maintain program guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training materials for the DNRC Engineering Floodplain Technical Assistance program, ensuring consistency and clarity in technical assistance delivery.

* Serve as the primary state liaison with FEMA and project applicants for all floodplain mapping revisions, overseeing review processes, facilitating communication, and helping resolve technical or compliance issues.

* Manage records and reporting related to mapping changes, permit actions, and technical requests, ensuring accurate documentation and archiving for state and federal programs.

* Deliver technical assistance through community engineering programs and manage mapping alterations and revisions for Montana communities.

* Analyze and interpret the results of new or revised floodplain studies for regulatory compliance, technical adequacy, and mapping accuracy. Support procurement and management of engineering contracts for studies and mapping projects.

* Contribute to updates of state model floodplain ordinances and interpret changing engineering statutes and policies,…