Engineering Intern

Job Description - Engineering Intern (26142401)

Position Title:

Engineering Intern - (26142401)

Core Values of DNRC's Water Resources Division

• Valuing People

• Stewardship

• Service

• Credibility

• Engagement

Job Overview

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is hiring an Engineering Intern to help support the safe operation, inspection, maintenance, and improvement of Montana's State-owned dams and water resources infrastructure. The State Water Projects Bureau administers 19 State-owned water projects, including 23 dams and more than 250 miles of irrigation canals. These facilities provide irrigation, flood control, streamflow regulation, recreation, and other public and natural-resource benefits across Montana.

Working under the supervision of licensed Professional Engineers, this early-career position offers practical experience in dam safety, water resources, infrastructure assessment, field inspection, engineering analysis, project support, and regulatory compliance. It is an entry point into DNRC's engineering career progression and supports professional development toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

This position is based in Helena, Montana, and requires approximately 30% travel and fieldwork at dams, construction sites, and other project locations. Fieldwork may occur in variable weather and terrain and may occasionally require work outside normal business hours.

What You''ll Do

• Assist with annual dam safety and operations-and-maintenance inspections of State-owned dams and related facilities.
• Evaluate and document infrastructure conditions; help identify maintenance, repair, and potential dam-safety needs.
• Support field visits, monitoring activities, incident-response work, and data collection.
• Assist licensed engineers with engineering calculations, technical studies, designs, reports, plans, specifications, and project coordination.
• Support maintenance, repair, modification, evaluation, and construction projects for dams and water resources infrastructure.
• Assist with dam instrumentation, data review, monitoring thresholds, and automation efforts.
• Help prepare and maintain regulatory evaluations, operations and maintenance manuals, emergency action plans, inspection records, and other program documentation.
• Collaborate with DNRC staff, water users' associations, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and other project partners.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• 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

• Bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering, engineering technology, or a closely related engineering field from an ABET-accredited or similarly approved program.
• Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination and certification as an Engineer Intern (EI) is preferred.
• A valid driver''s license is required.

This recruitment is open to a Training Assignment. Recent engineering degree graduates who do not yet meet all minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. On a case-by-case basis, DNRC may consider candidates who are working toward, but do not yet hold, an EI certificate or who have less experience or education than stated in the minimum qualifications.

What You Bring

• Foundational knowledge of civil engineering principles, particularly as they apply to dams, water storage and conveyance systems, and related infrastructure.
• Interest or coursework in geotechnical, geological, hydrologic, hydraulic, water resources, structural, environmental, or construction engineering.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, technical data, reports, specifications, and regulations.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations, support data analysis, and prepare clear field documentation, reports, and professional correspondence.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively with both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Willingness to learn and apply tools such as CAD, GIS, engineering modeling programs, instrumentation, water measurement, surveying, field testing, and construction practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and build effective working relationships.
• Ability and willingness to perform fieldwork at dams and water resources facilities, including travel, work in changing outdoor conditions, and travel across uneven terrain and sloped embankments.
• Relevant internships, academic projects, fieldwork, or related experience are valued but not required.

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 - In no more than one page, describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will make you successful in this role.

Resume - Include all work experience, education, and other qualifications that would help you qualify for this position

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. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here: E-Verify Website.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

34.10 - 34.10 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Sep 23, 2026, 10:37:15 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Oct 1, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Lysandra Badilla | Contact Email: Lysandra.Badilla@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-438-0909 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.