Technical Assistance Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bring Your Engineering Expertise to Montana's Communities!

What if your next engineering role combined hands-on floodplain technical analysis, direct community impact, and the opportunity to protect Montana families and businesses from flood risk? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking a skilled Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer to manage and implement our statewide engineering technical assistance program. If you're an accomplished engineer who thrives on complex water resources challenges, values meaningful public service, and wants to make a direct difference for Montana communities, this is your opportunity to build a career that matters.

Why You Should Apply

• Lead a Statewide Program: Direct Montana's Technical Assistance Program, which supports responsible floodplain development across the state.

• Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Impact: Apply advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to floodplain management needs across the state.

• Help shape the future of Montana's floodplain management: Help set best practices in responsible floodplain development across the state while balancing the need for clear and efficient permitting practices.

• Work-Life Balance in Big Sky Country: With only 15% travel and telework eligibility, enjoy more time for the Montana outdoor lifestyle you love while leading work that matters.

Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division

• Valuing People

• Stewardship

• Service

• Credibility

• Engagement

Applicants who are working toward their Professional Engineer (PE) license are encouraged to apply. We are open to hiring at different levels (Engineering Intern, Engineering Analyst, or Professional Engineer) and may consider a training assignment for wellqualified candidates who do not yet meet all minimum qualifications

Individuals who do not currently hold a PE license, but who have passed the FE exam and hold an Engineer Intern certificate and meet the educational requirements may be eligible for support with jobrelated education and coursework, including tuition reimbursement, to help them progress toward licensure.

Those with a current Montana PE license are eligible for a $6,000 signon bonus if they are new to State of Montana employment or have not worked for the State in the past six months.

Pay is based on education, experience, and licensure, with opportunities to advance to higher pay levels as you gain experience and meet performance benchmarks.

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities)
As the Floodplain Technical Assistance Engineer, you will:

• Review and evaluate floodplain permit applications to ensure 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 conducting site visits and performing or reviewing engineering analyses.

• Develop and maintain program guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training materials for the DNRC Engineering Floodplain Technical Assistance program, ensuring consistency and clarity in technical assistance delivery.

• Serve as the primary state liaison with FEMA and project applicants for all floodplain mapping revisions, overseeing review processes, facilitating communication, and helping resolve technical or compliance issues.

• 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. Support procurement and management of engineering contracts for studies and mapping projects.

• Contribute to updates of state model floodplain ordinances and interpret changing engineering statutes and policies, supporting communities in their adoption and implementation.

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.
• 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:

• 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 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.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Duties include office work with field travel for site visits, project inspections, and meetings.
• Travel averages approximately 15% throughout Montana, with occasional out-of-town travel of up to one-week duration required periodically.
• May be required to travel to attend professional training, community meetings, and conferences both in-state and out-of-state.
• 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. 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.

• 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 providing technical assistance for floodplain management to Montana's communities.

• 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.