Water Structures Professional Engineer (Stream Obstructions)

Overview

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

These positions will remain posted until filled.

Location: KDA Headquarters – Riley County, Kansas preferred; or

Topeka Field Office – Shawnee County or

Stockton Field Office – Rooks County or

Garden City Field Office – Finney County or

Stafford Field Office – Stafford County

KDA Water Structures Program is filling an Professional Engineer position (Stream Obstructions)

The duties of this position are professional engineering work, involving specialized aspects of engineering. The work includes complex detailed reviews of engineering plans, specifications, and reports for water structure projects; conducting inspections; conducting complaint investigations; and providing technical assistance. The work also includes compiling engineering data, database maintenance and file organization. Report writing and documentation of work is required. Work requires independent decision making.

Permit Processing: Review and process permit applications for water structures projects; including stream obstructions, channel changes, levees, floodplain fills and dredging operations. Review incoming applications for completeness.  Prepare and send Environmental Coordination Act notices to other agencies.  Provide internal information to other DWR staff to facilitate review of water rights as needed. Review construction plans and supporting calculations for compliance with statutes, regulations and acceptable engineering practice. Work with permit applicants and designers to resolve concerns. When the permit review is complete, summarize and prepare final documents for approval by the team leader, program manager or chief engineer.

Complaint Resolution: Respond to calls and complaints from citizens and other agencies. Conduct onsite inspections to determine permit requirements and compliance with regulations. Meet with landowners to discuss requirements and resolve concerns. Document site conditions and summarize findings for future reference. Continue to communicate with landowners as needed throughout the permit process. Manage travel to minimize travel costs and work efficiently.

Technical Assistance: Provide information and technical assistance to owners, designers and the public related to stream obstructions, channel changes, floodplain fills, and levees and the associated statutes and regulations. Scan and file correspondence, permit applications, plans and associated documents into the Water Resources document management system.

Inspections: Conduct onsite inspections of existing structures to determine if they are maintained and operated in a safe manner and in compliance with established rules and regulations. Inspections are done as a response to complaints while others are done to determine jurisdiction and to meet statutory requirements. A report is to be completed following the inspection. Enforcement actions are outlined in correspondence to the owner to ensure clear, timely communication critical to the owner.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in engineering.
Professional Engineering license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.
Must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Must be physically able to conduct field inspections involving the carrying of survey equipment, traversing steep grades, and walking on irregular ground.
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

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