Water Conservation Specialist 2 (57103)

State of Montana•Lewistown, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Water Conservation Specialist 2, you’ll help protect and manage Montana’s water resources through a mix of fieldwork, technical analysis, and public service. In this role, you’ll evaluate water right applications, investigate water use issues, collect and interpret water data, and help ensure water is managed fairly and responsibly across the state. As a Water Conservation Specialist 2, you are on the front lines of how Montanans use, share, and protect water. Every day is different – you might be on a ditch bank measuring flow in the morning and explaining water law to a landowner or attorney that afternoon.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, natural sciences, or a related field.
At least three years of experience in water resources management or a closely related field.
Knowledge of water resource management principles, hydrology, and water measurement practices.
Understanding of Montana water law, water rights, and related regulations.
Ability to analyze technical information and make sound, defensible decisions.
Skill in preparing clear written materials and communicating complex information to a variety of audiences.
Experience using computers and software such as databases, spreadsheets, word processing tools, and GIS applications.
Ability to build strong working relationships, manage competing priorities, and handle conflict professionally.

Nice To Haves

Alternate combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

Responsibilities

Evaluate new and existing water rights, analyze water availability, and make defensible decisions and recommendations on applications and changes
Conduct field investigations to measure flows, confirm points of diversion and places of use, and verify that projects are built and operated as permitted
Apply Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) analysis to proposed water uses and document potential environmental impacts
Research and interpret complex water records, maps, aerial photos, decrees, and technical data to answer questions and resolve issues.
Investigate water use complaints, help defuse conflicts between water users and recommend solutions or enforcement when needed
Provide technical information and support to landowners, consultants, attorneys, conservation districts, planning boards, and other partners
Present clear technical reports and, at times, testify as an expert witness in contested cases

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.
$1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 2026.