Water Conservation Specialist1
About The Position
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Water Resources Division, is recruiting a Water Conservation Specialist 1 in Billings, Montana. The position focuses on water-right investigations, analysis, application processing, and public assistance, supporting consistent stewardship and management of Montana’s water resources. The specialist evaluates water-right claims and water availability, reviews water-use records and applications, conducts scientific field investigations, and provides technical assistance to the Water Court, attorneys, agency partners, water users, and the public. The role includes preparing reports and GIS maps, maintaining accurate records in statewide water-right databases, assisting with disputes while remaining impartial, and representing the Department in meetings and proceedings. Work is primarily office-based, with travel for field investigations, regional offices, community meetings, and Water Court proceedings.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in natural resource management or natural sciences, plus at least one year of experience with water resources management; alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered case by case.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to analyze complex issues and make sound, defensible judgments.
- Ability to organize, set priorities, demonstrate initiative, and manage projects.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to recognize problems or unusual situations and address them in a timely, effective manner.
- Ability to explain complex laws and technical information clearly and concisely to the public.
- Skill using personal computers, operating systems, and appropriate database software.
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret land descriptions.
- Skill using GIS applications and technical software programs.
Nice To Haves
- Coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, public speaking, and writing is desirable.
- Knowledge of Montana water law, interstate and reserved water compacts, rules, policies, procedures, and government operations, or ability to learn them in a reasonable amount of time.
- Knowledge of water-resource management principles and practices, field investigation methodologies, negotiation, and conflict resolution, or ability to learn them in a reasonable amount of time.
- Knowledge of local water availability, water-use practices, water-measurement techniques and devices, and irrigation methods and designs, or ability to learn them in a reasonable amount of time.
- Knowledge of public landownership records, court decrees and orders, and geological formations affecting water availability, or ability to learn them in a reasonable amount of time.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal governmental administrative processes, or ability to learn them in a reasonable amount of time.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and analyze water-right claims and water-use information, provide technical assistance to the Water Court, and testify as an expert witness in contested cases and hearings.
- Conduct scientific field investigations to measure water use, verify diversions and places of use, assess compliance with permits and regulations, and collect data on surface- and groundwater conditions.
- Process and review new water-right applications and notices, research supporting records, and enter and maintain accurate information in the centralized water-rights database.
- Research and compile water-use, well-log, land-ownership, and decree information to assist the public with water-resource matters.
- Provide public assistance and use dispute-resolution techniques to analyze facts and laws, suggest alternatives, and help resolve water-use conflicts and objections while remaining impartial.
- Analyze water-use statements, permits, and records using GIS mapping, aerial photographs, and field investigations to identify appropriation issues.
- Prepare reports and presentations for the Water Court, the public, and agency partners based on field data, water-management information, and research.
- Review land-title records, county documents, and water-right records to process applications in compliance with state law and department policy.
- Provide investigative and technical assistance to department attorneys and Water Court staff on contested water-right issues.
- Participate in meetings, trainings, conferences, and special projects; represent the Department to local groups; and contribute to regional office planning, budgeting, and operations as assigned.
Benefits
- Work/life balance.
- Generous paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, with vacation leave increasing with service.
- Longevity pay with continued state service.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
- Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, plus an optional 457(b) Plan.
- May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- Career progression and professional development.
- State employee discounts.
- Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
