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This position is responsible for providing a broad variety of engineering expertise and support to the Water Resource Division (WRD), Compact Implementation Program (CIP), and the State’s compact obligations as described in Montana’s federal and tribal water compacts described in 85-20 MCA. CIP work frequently requires evaluating and understanding complex water rights to resolve questions related to compact implementation projects including infrastructure developments and changed circumstances. This position is responsible for providing a broad variety of hydrological and agricultural orientated engineering analysis and technical duties.

The position is supervised by the Compact Implementation Program Hydrologist Supervisor. The incumbent’s engineering work plan includes a collaborative effort between the engineer, supervisor, and program manager. The incumbent will work closely with DNRC engineers, hydrologists, and WRD stakeholders (Tribes, Federal partners, etc.); however, the position requires the incumbent to exercise considerable discretion, creativity, professional judgment and work independently and effectively without constant supervision. 

Questions can be directed to Attila Folnagy at afolnagy@mt.gov

The New Appropriation Specialists (specialist) performs a broad variety of duties associated with managing Montana’s water resources.  Specialists work primarily with the Water Right Bureau’s New Appropriations program, while also providing technical assistance for each program administered by the Water Resources Division.  The primary tasks include analysis of issues pertaining to water use, availability and management; analysis and decisions; collection and analysis of technical water data; researching water use information; conducting field investigations to collect and evaluate water data; applying Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) analysis and documentation to water right applications; investigating water use complaints; resolving disputes between water users; and performing other water resource management functions as required.

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.

We are looking for a Mining Environmental Scientist with preference given to experience in groundwater hydrology and modeling, to join our team as part of the Air, Energy, and Mining Division’s Coal Mining Section. The Coal Mining Section is responsible for ensuring the reclamation of land affected by surface and underground mining activity and regulation of development of coal mines in order to maintain the integrity of Montana’s natural resources. 

The Mining Environmental Scientist performs advanced professional analysis of proposed and existing mines essential to the implementation of mining programs in the State of Montana. Responsibilities may include: Review and assess hydrologic conditions and corresponding mining impacts taking into account geologic considerations at existing and proposed mine sites, including areas to be or that have been drastically disturbed by mining; Assessing and responding to permit applications, amendments and revisions; Determining whether applications, amendments and revisions are in compliance with regulations and permit requirements; Reviewing and implementing state and federal statutes, rules, and policies; and Acting as a liaison for DEQ to the public and industry on matters related to mining impacts.   

The opportunity is to participate in ongoing research on wildlife genetics at the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station’s National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation. The participant will particularly focus on designing molecular tests for the detection of native and invasive animal and plant species from environmental samples (i.e., eDNA sampling).

Learning Objectives: This research experience will include assessing available genetic information, generating new molecular sequencing data, and developing and testing new quantitative PCR assays. In addition to these technical laboratory skills, the participant will have opportunities to practice and receive feedback on their ability to communicate complex topics, both written and oral.

The participant’s training program will be orchestrated by the mentor to match the participant’s strengths, skills, and career development needs to available research projects at the National Genomics Center, but the participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with several research team members.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Taylor Wilcox (taylor.wilcox@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Applications reviewed on a rolling-basis.

The Beaver Specialist will work to develop tolerance for beaver in FWP Region 3 and promote stream restoration by beaver and low-tech methods where appropriate. This work will include community outreach and education, hosting training events for local partners, and constructing targeted demonstration projects. This work requires specialized knowledge and skills in wildlife conflict resolution, and in techniques for non-lethal beaver management, as well as in building good relationships, credibility, and trust with landowners and key agency partners like MT FWP, USFS, and local government.
The Beaver Specialist will work under the guidance of the Montana Freshwater Partners, Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Defenders of Wildlife, and the National Wildlife Federation and learn about their goals to restore, enhance and protect Montana’s rivers, streams and wetlands while accurately representing their missions in all outreach. As part of a small, high-impact team, the Beaver Specialist plays a significant role delivering on-the-ground conservation results and building an informed, engaged base of constituents who will advocate for and support the cause for healthy watersheds.

The initial term is 5 months (mid April -mid September) at 32 hours per week, up to 640 hours. If additional funding is secured, there is a strong possibility to extend this term or expand scope of work. The hourly rate is $40 per hour. No benefits are provided with this contractual position. The selected contractor will be required to provide proof of an Independent Contractor Exemption or Worker’s Compensation and comply with all Montana and Federal laws. The Contractor must provide their own computer. Statement of Qualifications review begins on January 2nd and will continue until the right contractor is selected.

The Outreach Coordinator is an essential MWS administrative staff member supporting and assisting the Outreach and Admissions Director with both student outreach and at times student enrollment. This position is part of the MWS student outreach team and will assist the effort making connections to prospective students in schools, at conferences and film events, and building relationships with teachers, guidance school counselors, therapists, and youth organizations around the state of Montana.

This is a Full-Time Position with approximately 32 hours/week and a flexible
schedule. The contract will start in December 2022 for training and will be expected to be full time by January 1, 2023. The contract will run through July, 31, 2023 with the possibility of working further into the summer depending on enrollment and operations needs. Depending on organizational needs, year-round employment may be possible in future years.

Position open until filled.

The ISAN Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for the Executive Director position. The Executive Director will provide operational and financial leadership for the organization, to ensure that all aspects are running at maximum effectiveness for the greatest impact. The Executive Director will lead and promote an organizational culture that values collaboration, transparency, responsiveness, accountability, and mission alignment.

Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. Based in Livingston, MT

The incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of educational, technical, on-site evaluations, and administrative duties relative to the Montana Floodplain Management Act and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as outlined in the annual CAP approved work plan tasks and the Montana Tiered State Framework.  These tasks and duties may be modified annually due to program requirements or changes. 

The position requires an extensive understanding and knowledge of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and associated standards and guidance for community compliance and state regulations.

Position open until filled.

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Riparian and Wetland Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This protocol is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term vegetation and soils data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.

We are currently recruiting Technicians with experience in botany, ecology, and soil science for data collection in Idaho and Nevada from May through August/September (exact dates vary by project).

Technicians will work with a Crew Lead to collect vegetation and soils data in wetland and riparian ecosystems. Crews of 3 people work eight-day hitches: 10-hours/day, from Tuesday-Tuesday, with a six-day break between hitches. All positions are field-based and require working and camping in isolated regions. We ask seasonal staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness, safe driving policies, and contribute to building a healthy, productive, and enjoyable work environment.

Applicants should understand that this is a physically demanding position. Crews often work and camp in inclement weather conditions, frequently navigating rough, unpaved roads in 4×4 vehicles, and carry heavy loads (40 lbs.) by foot over rugged desert and mountainous terrain. Sampling locations are occasionally near small towns, but these towns often have few amenities. Primitive camping is required. Cell phone service is limited.

• All positions include (tax-free):
  • $244 meal per diem per 8-day hitch
  • $300 one-time equipment stipend
  • $300 additional stipend upon completion of season

Applications review will begin December 7 and will continue until positions are filled.