Sec. 5. The department may, upon the receipt of a request in writing from:
(1) the circuit or superior court or the board of county commissioners having jurisdiction of the case;
(2) the drainage or levee commissioners;
(3) the board of directors of an incorporated levee or dike association;
(4) the superintendent of construction; or
(5) a petitioner or a landowner who may be affected by an assessment or damages incident to the establishment and construction of the proposed work;
direct the state engineer or an authorized agent or person connected with the division of engineering to act as a technical advisor.