Reclamation Specialist

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

We are looking for a Reclamation Specialist to join our Field Services and Technology Team in the Mining Bureau. The Reclamation Specialist evaluates the scientific and regulatory implications of applications to the Small Miner Exclusion Statement and Exploration License Programs; conducts compliance activities under the Montana Metal Mine Reclamation Act and Opencut Mining Act; and follows and develops programmatic standards surrounding contracting and oversight of reclamation at mine and exploration sites. Specific responsibilities include analysis of soils, vegetation, land use, and land management in the administration of the authorizing, licensing, mining, exploration, and reclamation processes; conducting and coordinating detailed reviews of mine and exploration license applications, mining, exploration, and reclamation activities; generating records associated with the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA); identification of alternative measures or mitigation strategies to protect resources; calculating and/or influencing reclamation bond determinations; implementing programmatic procedures for data collection and evaluation of data integrity; assessing compliance with standards for revegetation success, review of bond release applications, and review and evaluation of ongoing reclamation; conducting regular mine and exploration license inspections and recommendation of enforcement actions; and generating inspection reports, violation letters, enforcement requests, or other compliance documents to identify findings, require corrective actions, and resolve violations. The Reclamation Specialist must communicate effectively with stakeholders, including operators and their consultants; county and local governments; landowners and the general public; state and federal agencies; and other DEQ sections with overlapping regulatory authority. Collaboration with interdisciplinary professionals from within the DEQ, other agencies, and private parties to evaluate the cumulative effects of mining and reclamation projects is common. The Reclamation Specialist must also maintain a willingness and ability to travel on multi-day inspection trips throughout the State of Montana; and walk and drive in extreme weather conditions, over uneven surfaces, rough terrain, and in active mine and exploration areas with hazardous equipment. At the Department of Environmental Quality, our ultimate goal is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ employees are the heart of our organization. We value the people and invest in their professional growth, promoting a culture of cross-agency collaboration as we find solutions to the environmental challenges we face. DEQ values of leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality! The Reclamation Specialist position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. This position may be eligible for occasional telework (upon supervisor approval). 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/.

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.
Applications, including supplemental materials such as cover letter or resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site (https://statecareers.mt.gov/) by the closing date of the announcement.

Nice To Haves

Experience in operating, or desire to learn how to operate, Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
Experience with the Microsoft Office 365 Suite including, but not limited to: Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience using Esri Portal for ArcGIS and associated Apps and tools.

Responsibilities

analysis of soils, vegetation, land use, and land management in the administration of the authorizing, licensing, mining, exploration, and reclamation processes
conducting and coordinating detailed reviews of mine and exploration license applications, mining, exploration, and reclamation activities
generating records associated with the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA)
identification of alternative measures or mitigation strategies to protect resources
calculating and/or influencing reclamation bond determinations
implementing programmatic procedures for data collection and evaluation of data integrity
assessing compliance with standards for revegetation success, review of bond release applications, and review and evaluation of ongoing reclamation
conducting regular mine and exploration license inspections and recommendation of enforcement actions
generating inspection reports, violation letters, enforcement requests, or other compliance documents to identify findings, require corrective actions, and resolve violations
communicate effectively with stakeholders, including operators and their consultants; county and local governments; landowners and the general public; state and federal agencies; and other DEQ sections with overlapping regulatory authority
Collaboration with interdisciplinary professionals from within the DEQ, other agencies, and private parties to evaluate the cumulative effects of mining and reclamation projects
maintain a willingness and ability to travel on multi-day inspection trips throughout the State of Montana
walk and drive in extreme weather conditions, over uneven surfaces, rough terrain, and in active mine and exploration areas with hazardous equipment