Water Projects Engineering Manager ($5000 Sign-On Bonus)

Shape Your Career- And Your Community!

What if your next engineering role could deliver both technical challenge and tangible community impact? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking a visionary Water Projects Engineering Manager to lead critical water infrastructure projects across our beautiful state. If you're an accomplished engineer and leader who values meaningful work, a solid work-life balance, and the chance to leave a legacy in the state you love to live in, now is the perfect time to make the move.

Why You Should Make the Move

• Stability & Security- We offer a steady foundation and clear priorities.

• More Home, Less Highway- This role may offer less travel than your current role which provides for more time invested in your work and flexibility that respects your life outside of work.

• Your Expertise Creates Real, Lasting Change- You will help determine the future of Montana's water - serving communities, safeguarding natural resources and supporting sustainability.

• Public Service, Personal Reward- Use your skills to deliver solutions everyone can see. The projects you work on directly benefit Montana families and businesses today and for generations to come.

Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division

• Value People

• Stewardship

• Service

• Credibility

• Engagement

This position offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus for individuals new to state government or rehires who have not been employed by the State within the past six months.

The selected candidate may also be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

In addition, this position includes a 2.5% base pay increase effective July 2026.

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities)

As a Water Projects Engineering Manager, you will:

• Lead engineering design, review, and construction of water resource projects.

• Manage budgets, schedules, and contracts.

• Supervise and mentor project engineers and technical staff.

• Collaborate with local governments, water users and other stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with water management and safety regulations.

Benefits:

Live and working in Helena, Montana which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and hiking.

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance with flexible schedules.

• 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.

• Montana Professional Engineering License or ability to obtain in a reasonable amount of time.

• 5 years of relevant work experience including 3 years of successful leadership experience.

• Master's degree in civil engineering or closely related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

• Extensive understanding of engineering principles, water infrastructure systems, and regulatory frameworks at the state, federal and local levels is required. Advanced expertise in project management, budgeting, and strategic planning is essential for overseeing large-scale water projects.

• Demonstrated skill in managing complex, multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects on time and within budget is critical. Strong problem-solving, high-level communication, and negotiation abilities are necessary for engaging stakeholders and ensuring project success.

• Proven ability to provide strategic leadership, develop talent, and foster cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic environment is vital. Must be able to adapt to evolving regulations and priorities, drive innovation and make sound decisions under pressure to achieve organizational goals.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Duties include office, travel and field work.

• Must be able to work in a variety of field conditions including traversing sloped earthen embankments, spillways, and uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, working in gate towers, conduits, manholes and other confined spaces.

• Must be able to walk several miles across uneven terrain, occasionally carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and conduct site visits in adverse weather conditions.

How to Apply

Only online submissions are accepted. Applicants must 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.

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

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.