Hydrologist 2 (Groundwater)

State of Montana • Helena, MT

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resource and Conservation
Water Sciences Bureau
The Department is recruiting a Hydrologist; this is a new position and not an existing vacancy. The successful applicant will have experience with groundwater and surface water hydrology and will support the Water Resources Division as a groundwater expert. Primary duties include analysis of aquifer testing data and the completion of technical groundwater analyses associated with water right administration. Secondary duties may include, but are not limited to participating in hydrologic investigations, programming/coding/GIS projects, and policy development. This position offers significant flexibility and autonomy while working within a fun and collaborative team environment. We want you to succeed, enjoy your career, and we will work hard to support your professional growth while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division
Value People
Stewardship
Service
Credibility
Engagement
This position is eligible for a $1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 2026.
Benefits
Live and work in Helena, Montana, which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in a field related to Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or Water Resources, is required.
• Minimum of two years of pertinent, progressively responsible job-related experience in hydrology/hydrogeology.
• Education and experience equivalent and comparable to that specified above may meet job requirements and would be considered on an individual basis.
• A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in the principles, theories, and methods of hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geomorphology, and integrated remote sensing as it relates to water quantity.
• Experience with groundwater modeling and coding programs such as AQTESOLV, MODLFOW, Python, R.
• Knowledge of Montana water right laws and processes.
• Experience with hydrologic field methodologies and use of appropriate instrumentation for water measurement.
• Knowledge of methods for conducting hydrologic investigations, including techniques and methods for analyzing data, developing hydrologic models, and reporting findings.
• Knowledge of data management, GIS software (ArcGIS), spatial data analysis and mapping principles.

Responsibilities

• Support administration of the Montana Water Use Act by providing the Water Rights Bureau technical groundwater information and analyses for water right applications, which include, but are not limited to source aquifer determination, aquifer property analysis, quantifying groundwater physical availability, and the assessment of potential adverse effects to other water rights (quantification of net depletions, return flow, drawdown in nearby wells).
• Support or provide testimony during administrative hearings and through depositions and affidavits to district court. Work on the development of administrative rules and guidance documents on various aspects of water right administration and water management.
• Provide technical support and training to court appointed water commissioners, watershed groups, conservation districts, ditch riders, the Montana Water Court, irrigation boards, Department staff, other government agencies, consultants, and the public regarding all facets of groundwater.
• Develop and/or review and provide technical comments for grant or research applications dealing with groundwater and surface water hydrology, hydraulics, water storage, irrigation, and other water-related projects.
• Develop tools (GIS, coding, etc.), standard practices, and methods to implement policy and improve work efficiency.
• Conduct hydrological investigations in consultation with interested stakeholders that may include water users, watershed groups, tribal agencies, elected officials and government agency personnel. Work closely with other state and federal agencies in collaborative partnerships.
• Provide technical review of scientific reports and models from other agencies and stakeholders. Coordinate with other staff to review Department technical reports and applications.
• Communicate complex information through fact sheets, written reports, oral presentations, and web-based applications.

Benefits

• Work/life balance with flexible schedules and telework eligibility.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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