Engineer Supervisor - State Floodplain Engineer Supervisor (50500)

Shape Montana's Flood Resilience and Your Engineering Career!

What if your next engineering leadership role could combine cutting-edge hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, interagency partnership, and direct impact on community safety across Montana? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking a visionary State Floodplain Engineer to lead our state's Flood Hazard Mapping Program. If you're an accomplished engineer and leader who thrives on complex water resources challenges, values meaningful public service, and wants to protect Montana communities from flood risk, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Why You Should Apply

Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division

• Valuing People

• Stewardship

• Service

• Credibility

• Engagement

The selected candidate may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

This position is eligible for a 2.5% base pay increase effective July 2026.

This position is being posted at the same time as a similar position: Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for both positions.

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities)

As the State Floodplain Engineering Supervisor, you will:

• Lead Montana's Flood Hazard Mapping Program in partnership with FEMA, implementing the Montana Floodplain and Floodway Management Act and directing Risk MAP initiatives statewide.

• Oversee complex floodplain studies from planning to completion, coordinating internal staff, contractors, and partner agencies to produce reliable flood hazard data and maps.

• Manage federal grants for floodplain mapping, including business planning, grant proposals, administration, budgets, compliance, and reporting.

• Administer contractor procurement, conducting biannual solicitations, and managing contracts-from budgeting and scheduling to quality review and performance evaluation.

• Act as primary liaison with FEMA and partner agencies and coordinate with state, local, and community stakeholders to ensure project success.

• Maintain Montana's official flood hazard data portfolio, overseeing designation, adoption, maintenance, and distribution to communities.

• Develop and refine program policies, standard procedures, and long-term mapping plans under Bureau Chief guidance.

• Supervise staff including Engineering Specialists, Hydrologists, GIS Specialists, and Outreach Coordinators, supporting their professional development and technical competency.

• Foster collaboration, address challenges, and create an environment where diverse talents deliver exceptional program results

Benefits

Live and work in your choice of Montana communities - this position may be based in Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, Lewistown, Havre, Glasgow, Helena, or Bozeman. Each location offers unique opportunities and natural beauty, with Montana providing abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.

Additional benefits include:

• 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.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.

• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Minimum Qualifications

Alternative combinations of the education and experience listed below will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or equivalent
• Three (3) years of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in engineering 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.
• 2 years of proven leadership and supervisory experience, encompassing talent acquisition, team development, recruitment, performance management, and employee terminations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Montana.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

If you are the ideal candidate for this opportunity, you will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Master's degree in civil engineering or similar discipline.
• Certified Floodplain Manager certification.
• 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 spatial data requirements for FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present technical information clearly to varied audiences.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Working knowledge of federal/state grant management, compliance, and reporting.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Duties include office work with some travel for meetings, site visits, and field reviews.

• Occasional (up to 15%) travel to community meetings and project locations throughout Montana is necessary.

• May be required to travel to attend professional trainings, community meetings, and conferences both in-state and out-of-state (2-3 times per year).

• Occasional field work or site visits performed as needed, namely in response to flood events, possibly in adverse weather conditions and/or hazardous areas requiring knowledge of appropriate safety protocols.

How to Apply

Only online submissions are accepted. A complete state application is not required. However, applicants must initiate an application and attach both a cover letter and resume at the time of application to be considered for this position. Failure to attach required documents will result in the application being considered incomplete and not reviewed further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. When attaching documents, mark each as Relevant to ensure they are viewable.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter: Please explain how your education and experience help you meet the identified Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Share your passion for water resources engineering and public service, and describe what excites you about leading Montana's Flood Hazard Mapping Program.

• Resume: Include all work experience you have that would help you qualify for this position, including duties and dates of employment (month and year).

Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.