Water Conservation Specialist1

State of Montana • Bozeman, MT

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves investigating water rights across Montana, contributing to water management decisions, and safeguarding the state's water resources. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Water Resources Division is seeking individuals to champion water resource management and ensure stewardship of Montana's water rights. The position is ideal for a detail-driven natural resources professional who can analyze complex data, enjoys field visits, and wants their work to have a significant impact on water management and protection in Montana.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management or natural sciences.
• A minimum of one year of experience with water resources management.
• Knowledge of Montana water law, relevant interstate and reserved water compacts, rules, policies, procedures, and government operations.
• Knowledge of water resource-related management theories, principles, concepts, and practices; field investigation methodologies; and negotiation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of local water availability, water use practices, water measurement techniques and devices, irrigation methods and designs.
• Knowledge of public landownership records, court decrees and orders, and geological formations affecting water availability.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal governmental administrative processes.
• Skills in the use of personal computers and operating systems and appropriate software relating to databases on a PC.
• Skills in reading, understanding, and interpreting land descriptions.
• Skills in organizing and setting priorities while accomplishing numerous and diverse duties.
• Skills in GIS applications and technical software programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and make sound, defensible judgments.
• Ability to be organized, self-motivated, demonstrate initiative, and control projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to recognize problems or unusual situations and deal with them in a timely, effective manner.
• Ability to convey complex laws and technical information to the public in a clear and concise manner.
• Analytical thinking.
• Independent decision-making.
• Occasional public speaking, testimony delivery, and facilitation of discussions with diverse stakeholders and legal representatives.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, public speaking, and writing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Division's technical expert in evaluating water rights claims, analyzing water availability, and conducting comprehensive water use assessments.
• Evaluate the accuracy of claims to historical water use following Supreme Court rules and review technical information in proposed and final orders.
• Conduct scientific field examinations, measure flow rates and volumes, and provide expert testimony in Water Court hearings and contested-case proceedings.
• Analyze water use statements, permits, and records using GIS mapping, aerial photographs, and field investigations to identify appropriation issues.
• Synthesize field data, water management information, and research findings into clear reports and presentations for the Water Court, the public, and agency partners.
• Review land title records, county documents, and water right records to process applications while ensuring compliance with state law and department policy.
• Provide technical and investigative assistance to department attorneys and Water Court staff on contested water rights issues.
• Gather and analyze facts related to water disputes, suggest alternatives for resolution, and maintain an unbiased position in addressing objections and conflicts.
• Research and compile water use information, well logs, and land ownership records to create GIS maps and detailed reports for the public, water users, attorneys, and the Water Court.
• Assist with processing new water right applications, verification forms, splits, severs, ownership updates and temporary lease and change exception filings.
• Participate in training, conferences, and professional development to strengthen expertise in water law, water measurement, and conflict resolution.
• 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 diversion and place of use, assess compliance with permits and regulations, and collect data on surface and groundwater conditions.
• Process and fully review a variety of 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 precise information and interpretation in water resource matters.
• Provide public assistance and apply dispute resolution techniques to analyze facts and laws, suggest alternatives, and help resolve water use conflicts and objections while remaining impartial.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and special projects, represent the Department to local groups, and contribute to planning, budgeting, and other regional office operational activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• 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: Entry Level