Division Administrator - Water Resources

State of Montana • Helena, MT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Lead the future of water in Big Sky Country! Montana's rivers, lakes, and aquifers power our farms and ranches, communities, industry, and world-class outdoor recreation. The Water Resources Division Administrator sits at the center of how this resource is managed, protected, and shared for current and future generations. The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) is recruiting a visionary and strategic executive to lead the Water Resources Division (WRD), a team of approximately 150 professionals with a biennial budget exceeding 60 million dollars. This is a rare opportunity to shape statewide water policy and operations in one of the nation’s most iconic landscapes. Executive leadership with statewide impact The Water Resources Division Administrator: Provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and management for WRD, setting division goals, priorities, and performance expectations in coordination with DNRC leadership. Leads a highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable team through change, evolving demands, and complex issues with significant public and stakeholder interest. Oversees implementation and enforcement of the Montana Water Use Act and administration of water rights statewide. Leads programs in water rights administration and adjudication, groundwater and surface water management, conflict resolution, dam safety, floodplain management, and state water projects (22 dams and approximately 250 miles of irrigation canals). Directs division budgeting and finance, including formulating, presenting, and defending the division budget and aligning staffing and resources with priorities. Advises the DNRC Director, Deputy Director, and Governor’s Office on statewide water resource policy, priorities, and emerging issues. Represents the Department and the State of Montana before legislative committees, federal agencies, tribes, local governments, and diverse stakeholder groups. If you are energized by leading people, navigating complexity, and serving the public at the intersection of science, law and policy, this role offers both challenge and the chance to make a statewide impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, law, environmental science or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory or program administration, water or natural resource management, and related fields.
• Senior-level leadership experience with staff supervision, oversight of multiple programs, and significant budget management responsibility.
• Knowledge of water law, hydrology, and water policy in the Western U.S. is desirable; however, success in this role depends more on strong leadership, prioritization, and the ability to direct subject-matter experts.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams and managing change in high-visibility environments.
• Skill in strategic planning, policy development, and translating legislative intent into practical programs and procedures.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with 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 technical topics.

Responsibilities

• Provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and management for WRD, setting division goals, priorities, and performance expectations in coordination with DNRC leadership.
• Leads a highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable team through change, evolving demands, and complex issues with significant public and stakeholder interest.
• Oversees implementation and enforcement of the Montana Water Use Act and administration of water rights statewide.
• Leads programs in water rights administration and adjudication, groundwater and surface water management, conflict resolution, dam safety, floodplain management, and state water projects (22 dams and approximately 250 miles of irrigation canals).
• Directs division budgeting and finance, including formulating, presenting, and defending the division budget and aligning staffing and resources with priorities.
• Advises the DNRC Director, Deputy Director, and Governor’s Office on statewide water resource policy, priorities, and emerging issues.
• Represents the Department and the State of Montana before legislative committees, federal agencies, tribes, local governments, and diverse stakeholder groups.

Benefits

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays).
• Vacation leave increases with years of 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 457b Plan ).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Relocation expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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