Water Conservation Specialist 2 (65168)

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

The State of Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking a dedicated and insightful Water Conservation Specialist 2 to join our team. The Water Conservation Specialists play a vital role in executing procedures and tasks critical to managing Montana’s water resources and supports the DNRC's mission to ensure Montana’s land and water resources benefit present and future generations. Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division Value People Stewardship Service Credibility Engagement Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities) As a Water Conservation Specialist, you will: Analyze petitions submitted under 85-2-313, Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and make recommendations on provisional water permits. Conduct scientific field examinations related to petitions, measuring water usage, confirming the points of diversion and place of use. Provide testimony as an expert witness in contested case hearings and offer technical support for hearings and quantification issues. Review and interpret maps, aerial photos, and prepare public notice documents and respond to public comments regarding permit and change applications. Coordinate with regional offices on public notification and public comment processes. Use the Water Rights Notification tool and ensure proper notifications and documentation. Perform additional professional and technical duties in support of DNRC division objectives, participate on hiring teams, and attend professional development opportunities. Benefits: Live and working in Helena, Montana offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and hiking. Additional benefits include: Work/life balance with flexible schedules. Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation 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. This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.

Requirements

Alternative combinations of the education and experience listed below will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, the natural a relevant field is preferred
1+ years of related work experience (additional experience may substitute for some education).
Knowledge of (or ability to learn in a reasonable amount of time) Montana water law, water resource management theories, local water use practices, and relevant administrative processes.
Skill in technical software (including GIS, databases, Word, Excel), data analysis, technical writing, organization and communication.
Ability to build relationships, make sound judgements, take initiative, and convey technical information concisely.
Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods, operate standard office equipment, and attend meetings both onsite and offsite.
Occasional travel.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Analyze petitions submitted under 85-2-313, Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and make recommendations on provisional water permits.
Conduct scientific field examinations related to petitions, measuring water usage, confirming the points of diversion and place of use.
Provide testimony as an expert witness in contested case hearings and offer technical support for hearings and quantification issues.
Review and interpret maps, aerial photos, and prepare public notice documents and respond to public comments regarding permit and change applications.
Coordinate with regional offices on public notification and public comment processes.
Use the Water Rights Notification tool and ensure proper notifications and documentation.
Perform additional professional and technical duties in support of DNRC division objectives, participate on hiring teams, and attend professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Live and working in Helena, Montana offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and hiking.
Work/life balance with flexible schedules.
Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation 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.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.