Water Resources Adjudication Specialist

The Adjudication Specialist (Specialist) performs a variety of duties associated with managing Montana’s water resources.  The Specialist works primarily with the adjudication programs in the Helena Regional Office. The Specialist analyzes statements of claim filed in the adjudication process, water right records, and other data sources to identify legal and factual issues, perform aerial photograph and regional analyses, interview claimants, synthesize this data, and report findings to the Water Court.  As decrees are issued, the Specialist evaluates and prepares comments regarding potential DNRC objections.  The Specialist also performs investigations, gives testimony in water rights cases, and provides assistance to the Water Court in collecting, checking, processing, recording, and maintaining water right claims, evidence, records, and case documents.  The Specialist provides assistance and information to other agencies and the public regarding state water use laws, water availability, and local water use patterns.  The program also provides information and support for the state water rights records system.

This position requires knowledge of Montana water law, relevant interstate and reserved water compacts, rules, policies, procedures, and government operations. The person in this position will need to have skill in reading, understanding, and interpreting land descriptions, as well as the ability to convey complex laws and technical information to the public in a clear and concise manner. An expertise in records research and report writing are also desirable. This position will also require the ability to understand water uses, measurements, and issues.