Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a Section Supervisor to lead the Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section within the Water Quality Planning Bureau. The section administers programs that protect and restore water quality from harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution and provides statewide leadership for wetland conservation. The Section Supervisor provides strategic, operational, and personnel leadership; ensures effective implementation of agency, division, and bureau priorities; and works closely with the Bureau Chief to establish direction, identify emerging issues and controversy, and evaluate program effectiveness. The position includes a career ladder that supports professional development and pay progression. Montana’s Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section addresses diffuse sources of water pollution and supports watershed-based protection and restoration. The program emphasizes collaboration, community-driven watershed approaches, voluntary implementation of best practices, and coordination with partners to protect beneficial uses of Montana waters. DEQ’s mission is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana, and the Department values leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, sound decision-making, professional growth, and cross-agency collaboration. Effective February 23, 2026, the agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Applications, including supplemental materials such as a cover letter or resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site by the announcement’s closing date. The cover letter should describe how the applicant’s education, knowledge, and skills have prepared them for the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Aquatic Biology, Geology, Limnology, Hydrology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience, including demonstrated leadership or supervision; experience from informal roles may count.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
May require a current valid driver’s license and clean driving record in accordance with the State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy.
Other combinations of education and experience may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Submit a cover letter describing how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for the position.
Submit the application and supplemental materials through the State of Montana Careers site by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Experience with business and management principles involving planning, resource allocation, setting priorities, human resources management, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources.
Communication skills focused on stakeholder outreach.
Education or experience in the program area.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and support staff by communicating priorities and expectations, developing annual work plans, providing timely performance feedback, and advancing professional development.
Direct day-to-day section operations and align work with DEQ strategic plans, Water Quality Division priorities, and applicable state and federal requirements.
Coordinate with Water Quality Division programs, including monitoring and assessment, water-quality standards and modeling, permitting programs, and TMDL development, to support an integrated water-quality improvement process.
Provide statewide leadership for nonpoint source pollution management and wetland conservation, including water-quality protection, restoration, planning, outreach, and project support.
Manage program funding and budgets in accordance with statutory, grant, and other funding-source requirements; establish fiscally responsible goals; monitor expenditures; and evaluate results.
Implement policies, procedures, and continuous-improvement practices that promote efficient operations, accountability, and effective program delivery.
Build and maintain productive relationships with local, state, federal, Tribal, nonprofit, and other stakeholders; foster communication among diverse interests; and pursue collaborative, locally supported solutions to water-quality challenges.
Represent the Section in internal and external coordination efforts, communicate program needs and accomplishments, and keep the Bureau Chief informed of significant issues, risks, and opportunities.