Reclamation Specialist

State of Montana•Helena, MT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. Effective February 23, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/. We are looking for a Reclamation Specialist to join our Field Services and Technology Team in the Mining Bureau. As a Reclamation Specialist with the Department of Environmental Quality, you will play a critical role in reclaiming inactive mine sites and implementing regulatory oversight on active mining and exploration activities. This role combines fieldwork, regulatory expertise, and stakeholder collaboration to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in physical, earth, or life sciences.
Two years of directly related experience.
Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.
Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position.

Nice To Haves

Strong communication skills
Ability to work across disciplines

Responsibilities

Develop workflows and frameworks for inventorying, inspecting, and contracting State-Administered reclamation at inactive mine and exploration sites across Montana.
Contribute to bond forfeiture processes and oversee contracted reclamation activities to reclaim land impacted by mining and exploration operations.
Review and process applications to the Small Miner Exclusion Statement and Exploration Licensing programs under the Montana Metal Mine Reclamation Act (MMRA).
Assess the scientific and regulatory implications of proposed mining, exploration, and reclamation plans.
Determine application completeness and compliance with the MMRA.
Document environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and disclose those impacts through the Montana Environmental Policy Act.
Authorize or license mining, exploration, and reclamation activities.
Assess compliance with the MMRA by conducting inspections and generating inspection reports.
Implement escalation and enforcement policies by issuing violation letters, developing enforcement request packages, and working with operators to resolve violations.
Analyze soils, vegetation, land use, and land management.
Identify alternative measures or mitigation strategies to protect resources.
Calculate reclamation bonds.
Evaluate ongoing reclamation by assessing compliance with standards for revegetation.
Review and process bond release applications.
Travel on multi-day inspection trips throughout the State of Montana.
Walk and drive in extreme weather conditions, over rough and uneven terrain, and on active mine and exploration areas with equipment hazards.
Engage regularly with small miners, exploration licensees, consultants, contractors, landowners, county governments, federal agencies, and other DEQ programs.