Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer

Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer

Job Description – Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer (35225) – )

Bring Your Engineering Expertise to Montana's Communities! The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) seeks a skilled engineer to manage and implement our statewide technical assistance program, protecting Montana families and businesses from flood risk.

• Review and evaluate floodplain permit applications for 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 site visits and engineering analyses.
• Develop and maintain program guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training materials for the DNRC Engineering Floodplain Technical Assistance program.
• Serve as primary state liaison with FEMA and project applicants for all floodplain mapping revisions, overseeing review processes and facilitating communication.
• 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, and support procurement and management of engineering contracts.
• Contribute to updates of state model floodplain ordinances and interpret changing engineering statutes and policies, supporting communities in adoption and implementation.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible engineering experience with emphasis on hydrology and/or hydraulics.
• Montana Professional Engineer (PE) license, or Engineering Intern certification with ability to obtain PE licensure within one year of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Montana.

• Practical knowledge and experience with floodplain studies and the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Familiarity with Montana’s floodplain regulations.
• Experience in hydrology, hydraulics, fluvial mechanics & geomorphology, and/or river restoration & remediation.
• Experience with technical/data requirements for floodplain development permits.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present technical information clearly to varied audiences.
• Ability to work independently using professional engineering judgment to guide program activities during both regular operations and emergency situations.

• Duties include office work with field travel for site visits, inspections, and meetings.
• Travel averages approximately 15% throughout Montana, with occasional out-of-town travel up to one week.
• May be required to travel to professional training, community meetings, and conferences both in-state and out-of-state.
• Occasional field work or site visits in response to flood events, possibly under adverse weather conditions and/or hazardous areas requiring knowledge of appropriate safety protocols.

• Work/life balance with flexible schedules and telework eligibility.
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

The position may be based in Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, Lewistown, Havre, Glasgow, Helena, or Bozeman. Each location offers unique opportunities and natural beauty.

Salary range: $70,928.00 – $ per year. Montana PE license holders who are new to State of Montana…