Deputy Division Administrator - Water Resources

State of Montana • Helena, MT

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Water Resources Division, is seeking an experienced and collaborative Deputy Division Administrator to help lead a critical statewide natural resource program. This executive-level position provides strategic leadership for statewide water programs, oversees complex division operations and budgets, and represents the Division and Department before the Legislature, Governor’s Office, tribal governments, local governments, federal agencies, and stakeholders.

The role oversees operations and business functions for a 150-FTE division with a biennial budget exceeding $60 million. It provides executive-level leadership to staff, including supervising managers and bureau chiefs, directing HR functions in coordination with DNRC leadership and HR, and supporting succession planning, performance management, and professional development. The Deputy Division Administrator co-develops division strategy, guides implementation of statewide water management policies and procedures, and helps shape legislation affecting Montana water users.

The position represents the Division on complex, high-visibility issues, works with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders, and provides expert testimony and recommendations on proposed regulations and legislation. As a member of the Department’s executive leadership team, the Deputy Division Administrator shares responsibility for strategic direction, policy development, organizational performance, and coordinated implementation of Department and Division priorities.

Work is primarily in a professional office setting, with frequent meetings and regular interaction with the public, legislators, legal counsel, DNRC leadership, the Governor’s Office, stakeholders, and other regulatory agencies. Periodic travel for meetings, hearings, and events is required. The selected candidate may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, law, environmental science, or a related field, or equivalent combinations of education and experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory or program administration, water or natural resource management, or related fields.
• Senior-level leadership experience with staff supervision, oversight of multiple programs, and significant budget management responsibility.
• Leadership experience overseeing programs, staff, and budgets in a regulatory, public administration, or natural resources setting.
• Demonstrated success managing operations, setting priorities, and making well-supported decisions in dynamic, high-visibility environments.
• Knowledge of government operations, budgeting, and personnel management, and ability to align day-to-day activities with statutory requirements, policies, and strategic goals.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with division staff, DNRC leadership, legislators, tribes, federal partners, local governments, water users, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking, stakeholder facilitation, negotiation, and clear, accessible writing on complex or technical topics.
• Ability to lead through change, anticipate and address problems promptly, and manage sensitive or contentious issues with professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee division operations and business functions for a 150-FTE division with a biennial budget of more than $60 million, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with DNRC’s mission and state requirements.
• Supervise managers and bureau chiefs and provide executive-level leadership to staff.
• Direct HR functions in coordination with DNRC leadership and HR, and support succession planning, performance management, and professional development.
• Co-develop division strategy and guide implementation of statewide water management policies and procedures.
• Help shape legislation affecting water users across Montana.
• Represent the Division on complex, high-visibility issues and work with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Provide expert testimony and recommendations on proposed regulations and legislation.
• Share responsibility as a member of the Department’s executive leadership team for strategic direction, policy development, organizational performance, and coordinated implementation of Department and Division priorities.

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave; vacation leave increases with years of service.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Retirement plans, including Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans and an optional 457b Plan.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility may be available.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• The selected candidate may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive