Engineering Intern

Core Values of DNRCs 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 Montanas 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 DNRCs 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 Youll 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors or masters 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 drivers 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 .

Required Experience:

Intern

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