Water Quality Monitoring Scientist
We are looking for a Water Quality Monitoring Scientist to join our team at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ’s Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section assesses whether state waters meet water quality standards and support beneficial uses. Beneficial use assessment is one step in the water quality planning process; it requires monitoring and informs Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and water quality protection and restoration. Tracking changes in water quality may also be important to determine if conditions are improving or deteriorating over time. DEQ supports numerous professional and volunteer monitoring partnerships across Montana that align with our vision.
The Water Quality Monitoring Scientist oversees monitoring programs and projects, provides training and oversight for data collection activities, completes complex monitoring, and produces reports about the condition and trends of Montana’s streams, lakes and reservoirs. The position determines if waters are meeting Montana’s water quality standards, evaluates water quality trends and investigates influencing factors that affect water quality conditions. Responsibilities include: Compiling and analyzing information about watershed and waterbody water quality, stream channel and riparian conditions, land-use and sources; Identifying and characterizing specific causes and possible sources of pollutants and biological responses; Conducting the installation, calibration, maintenance of field instruments; Developing and managing projects and contracts; Writing reports, providing public presentations, and entering decisions and rationale into databases; Providing expertise about measuring the effects of pollution on beneficial uses; Assisting in public education about water quality; Develop standard processes and scientific guidance documents.
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 – 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 Water Quality Monitoring Scientist position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.
