Overview
Location: This position is intended to work in the Manhattan headquarters office. However, the position could potentially work out of one of the KDA-DWR field offices (in Topeka, Stockton, Garden City or Stafford) if that is more convenient for the applicant.
Position Summary:
Are you looking for a career that makes a difference? Come join our team at the Division of Water Resources. We are a group of individuals dedicated to supporting Kansas communities and citizens by protecting landowner rights, public health and safety, and water resources. We invite you to explore our website at https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-water-resources to learn more about our work.
The purpose of the Dam Safety Team is to reduce risks to life and property from dam failure. As a Professional Engineer on this team, your responsibilities would include:
Review and approval of plans for constructing and modifying dams
Ensure quality control during and following construction
Monitor dams that, if they failed, could cause the loss of life, or interrupt public utilities and services
Specific job duties include, but are not limited to:
Permit processing. Review and process permit applications for water structures projects, primarily dams and dam modifications, but may include stream obstructions, channel changes, levees, and floodplain fill. Review complex engineering plans, specifications, calculations, and reports for compliance with statutes, regulations, and acceptable engineering practices.
Complaint resolution. Respond to calls and complaints from the public and other agencies. Meet with landowners and conduct onsite inspections to determine compliance with permits and regulations.
Technical assistance. Provide information and technical assistance to dam owners, consultants, and the public related to dam safety, maintenance, and regulations.
Inspections. Conduct onsite inspections of dams to evaluate safety and compliance with regulations. Prepare and review inspection reports and communicate enforcement actions to the dam owner in a clear & timely manner.
This position has the opportunity to telework per guidelines of the Telework Policy of the Kansas Department of Agriculture KDA after one year of service.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in engineering or related field.
Professional Engineering license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.
Must be physically able to conduct field inspections.
Must be able to travel in-state and out of state including overnight.
Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):
Education in engineering hydraulics, hydrology and soil mechanics is strongly preferred.
Experience with GIS software and emergency response is strongly preferred.
Good written and verbal communication skills are strongly preferred.
Compensation:
Annual Salary Range: $85,000 to $90,000 per year
Hourly Pay Range: $40.87 to $43.27 per hour
* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
Employment Benefits:
Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
Sick & Vacation leave
Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
Fitness Centers in select locations
Employee discounts with the STAR Program
Retirement and deferred compensation programs
About Kansas Department of Agriculture
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is the nation's first state department of agriculture. The agency is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The department is dedicated to providing support and assistance to make Kansas businesses successful and encouraging more farms, ranches and other agriculture business to expand in or relocate to Kansas.