Entry Level Legislative Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Job Class Code: 6371
Grade: 25/Professional & Technical
Salary: $54,412.80-$76,315.20/Annually
Location: Augusta - Statewide
Opening Date: June 25, 2026
Closing Date: July 10, 2026
This is entry-level professional engineering work in the Maine State Dam Safety and Inspection Program. Responsibilities include inspecting dams throughout the State under the supervision of the State Dam Inspector to determine whether the integrity, structural stability, function, or operation of those dams constitutes a threat to public safety. In addition, this position assists the State Dam Inspector with the preparation of detailed inspection reports and recommendations in close collaboration with dam owners and operators, and emergency management officials, and other state agencies as necessary. Work is performed under limited supervision.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

• Plans, schedules, and conducts condition inspection and hazard assessments of dams and reservoirs throughout the State, to include field work, review, assessments, estimates of breach flows, and predicting negative impact to life and property.
• Assist in the hazard classification of dams, including reclassifications and dam removals.
• Assists in producing detailed reports on each dam inspected.
• Provides condition assessment of certain dam classifications based on metrics and professional experience and knowledge to the State Dam Inspector with financial outcomes including responsibilities of the dam owner.
• Submits engineering plans, agreements, construction contacts, calculations, and operation and maintenance of dams to the State Dam Inspector for approval.
• Assists in reviewing the design and construction of new and reconstructed dams.
• Assist dam owners in developing emergency action plans to minimize the effect of dam failure
• Assists in taking all necessary actions in emergency situations of probable dam failure to protect life and property.
• Assists the State Dam Inspector in conducting research and applying for grants and budgeting for inspections and program resources, review of construction documents, and coordination with Departments and outside interested parties.
• Uses engineering techniques to assist in evaluating potential hazard situations based on storm frequencies and changing climatological data.
• Conducts research to assist in developing guidance documents for internal inspections, rule changes, and public outreach.
• Assists in providing interstate support in dam safety guidance and emergency response in the event of dam failures or emergency situations through the principles of the Incident Command System.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

• Knowledge of general civil engineering, with a special emphasis in structural analysis and design, water resources analysis and design, hydrology, geotechnical and foundations engineering, construction methods, surveying principles, contract administration, technical inspections, and dam maintenance and operations.
• Knowledge of the design and construction of dams including the review of technical calculations for use in analysis and design review.
• Strong written and communication skills for technical writing, public interaction, and working with State legislative authorities for rule changes and adoption.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
A Bachelors Degree in Engineering or closely related field -OR- non-engineering college graduates and non-degreed candidates must possess a Certification of Engineer-Intern as issued by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).
See Minimum Qualifications.
EXAM PLAN: (This must be successfully completed by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.