Demo

Water Rights Program - Chief Engineer

State of South Dakota
Pierre, SD Full Time
POSTED ON 1/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/4/2026

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 30799

Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $102,000 to $120,000 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: EM3

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information on the Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/.

This position serves as the program administrator for the Water Rights Program. This includes directing a statewide program for the administration of state water rights, safety of dams, licensing of well drillers and well pump installers, establishment of Ordinary High Water Marks and outlet elevations for state lakes, operation of a groundwater monitoring network, and responsibility for personnel management of 14 full-time professional staff and several seasonal part-time staff.

By statute, the Chief Engineer is responsible for developing a recommendation on water right applications and flood control permit applications. For those applications that are contested, the Chief Engineer serves as the technical advisor to the Water Management Board during contested case hearings for the application. For applications not contested, the Water Management Board has delegated authority to issue permits to the Chief Engineer based on the recommendation.

The Chief Engineer provides for the orderly development of water recourses within South Dakota that is consistent with state laws and regulations, and allows for the placing of water to beneficial use to the fullest extent they are capable. The Chief Engineer must balance the competing demands for water with the availability of the water resource and insuring there is not unlawful impairment of domestic use of water and existing water rights. Additionally, the Chief Engineer represents the Department in various organizations and before the State Legislature as well as makes presentations to various groups.


Licenses And Certifications

Pursuant to South Dakota Codified Law 46-2-3, the Chief Engineer must be a licensed Professional Engineer.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

Successful completion of a degree in civil, geological, environmental. or other related engineering degree.

Knowledge Of

  • sound understanding of the federal and state laws governing the development of water and its uses;
  • department policies and procedures;
  • engineering principals and practices pertaining to water development;
  • employee policies and procedures for interviewing, hiring, and managing personnel.

Skill To

  • develop and implement program priorities and work plans as well as prioritize and organize associated work activities.

Ability To

  • direct and supervise the work of subordinates;
  • communicate clearly and persuasively;
  • use strong interpersonal skills;
  • provide expert testimony before the Water Management Board;
  • review and approve detailed reports and water right applications providing technical assistance and report narratives as needed;
  • manage day-to-day budgetary requirements of the Water Rights Program and provide budgetary data necessary for the development of the overall Office of Water Division budget.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.


Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1BG

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

Salary : $102,000 - $120,000

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