Job Opportunity
The River Ambassador Program Coordinator will lead a small team of seasonal River Ambassadors in improving public recreation experiences and protecting conservation investments in Missoula Valley rivers. This role is ideal for an individual passionate about conservation, river recreation, and community engagement. The coordinator will oversee a team of three River Ambassadors, managing daily operations, while also participating in River Ambassador field work such as data collection, public engagement, and volunteer management. The River Ambassador Program Coordinator will be responsible for engaging with a diversity of regional partners in support of program goals including safe, sustainable river recreation, enhanced river conservation, and public education.
River Ambassadors work at popular river access sites, geographically focused on river access within 10 miles of Missoula’s urban downtown, to provide assistance and information to the public about river shuttles, parking, take-outs, floats, and best practices for safety and conservation when spending time on the river. The Program Coordinator will split time between the office (50%) and field (50%), with regular opportunities to be on the water (stand-up paddleboard, kayak, etc.).
Period of Employment: April 28th, 2025 – September 30th,2025
Job Opportunity
Do you want to play a role in managing Montana’s water resources? Would you find working in a career that has both legal and technical challenges interesting? Do you like piecing together details to figure out the big picture? If so, consider working in water rights new appropriations for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Water Resources Division in Kalispell, MT.
At DNRC we are passionate about ensuring that Montana’s land and water resources remain a benefit today and for future generations. We are actively seeking an Appropriations Specialist who values the vast resources in our treasure state as much as we do.
The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.
Work Unit Overview: The Regional Offices of the Water Resources Division represent the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Water Resources Division that works directly with the public, local, regional, state, federal, and international governmental agencies in a designated region of the state. The Regional Office conducts field operations and day-to-day activities for the programs of the Division including the Water Rights Bureau’s New Appropriations Program. The New Appropriations Program encompasses permitting new water rights, changing existing water rights, closure of highly appropriated basins, establishment of controlled groundwater areas, conducting hearings on contested cases, administration of water reservations, administration of federal reserved water right compacts, and verification and certification of new appropriations.
Job Overview: 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.
Job Opportunity
Swan Valley Connections (SVC) is seeking an experienced Development Director to lead their fundraising and development efforts. The ideal candidate will be passionate about their mission, vision, and values; recognize the value of the Swan Valley within the Crown of the Continent ecosystem; be a strong storyteller and writer; be organized and excited to build efficient and effective systems; driven to foster connections and build relationships; and have demonstrated experience in relationship building and nonprofit fundraising.
The Development Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership of fundraising, philanthropy, and development efforts. The Development Director will work closely with the Managing Directors, Board of Directors, staff members, volunteers, and external stakeholders to ensure the long-term success and financial sustainability of the organization. The Development Director reports to the Managing Director of Education and Connection. This position is primarily responsible for the development and stewardship of fundraising and philanthropic support. Although much of the work can be done remotely, the position requires significant time on-site and at SVC events. Residence in the Swan River Watershed is encouraged; living within commuting distance is required.
Job Opportunity
Do you like to work outside? Are you interested in conducting water quality sampling for Montana’s streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands? The Water Quality Monitoring Technician is responsible for assisting pre-field work, such as calibration and maintenance of monitoring devices, inventory and requisition of field season equipment; field work, such as assisting in various chemical, biological and physical sampling procedures; and non-field work efforts such as data entry, transporting samples, and gathering supplies. This position requires extensive travel across the state of Montana to various watersheds with overnight stays, sometimes working and camping in remote areas. Driving and navigating to sampling sites is required. Training on sampling methods will be provided to the successful candidates; however, knowledge of surface water sampling methods is a plus. Successful candidates will collect nutrient, metals, sediment, E.coli, algae, and macroinvertebrate samples as well as monitor flow and the current conditions of wetlands. Project opportunities may include water quality and pollution source assessments, harmful algal bloom response monitoring, wetland effectiveness monitoring, and restoration project effectiveness monitoring. The Water Quality Monitoring Technician may also assist with education and outreach related to monitoring results and promoting voluntary water quality improvement practices.
Job Opportunity
HydroSolutions, Inc. (HydroSolutions) seeks a mid- to senior-level Hydrogeologist to join their team. This is a full-time position located in their Billings Montana office.
HydroSolutions is a small, second-generation family-owned water resources consulting firm.
Duties of this position will include:
•Providing technical consultation for water supply planning, well design, well drilling and construction, source water protection, water rights, geologic and hydrogeologic investigations, aquifer testing and analysis, geologic and hydrogeologic mapping, contaminated site investigations, and development of conceptual site models.
•Analyzing and interpreting well testing data, model results, geophysical data, and hydrogeological data.
•Preparation of reports and supporting figures and tables.
•Planning, overseeing and participating in field investigations of groundwater, surface water, soils ,and air.
•Field work such as oversight of drilling and well construction, field mapping, and environmental sampling of different media.
•Assisting in the preparation of water right applications through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
•Preparing permit applications through the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Groundwater Pollution Control System.
•Preparing construction dewatering plans in accordance with engineering specifications.
•Conducting project and task management.
•Performing business development activities, including client outreach, proposals, client contact/presentations, and professional society participation.
•Occasional travel required, potentially to small towns/rural areas. Travel requirements will vary with project needs but will likely range from two days to one week per month.
Job Opportunity
The Program Coordinator is a full-time, hourly position reporting to the Executive Director. The Program Coordinator is responsible for Sun River Watershed Group programs including data collection and other field tasks, event coordination, outreach, and volunteer recruitment. The Program Coordinator assists with fundraising, grant writing, board of directors support, stakeholder outreach, implementing SRWG’s Watershed Restoration Plan, and other tasks that further SRWG’s mission and values.
Position open until filled.
Job Opportunity
The Conservation Project Manager (CPM) will identify, develop, and implement projects that improve water quality, enhance aquatic and riparian habitats, and protect key tributaries on both private and public lands in the Bitterroot watershed. Key responsibilities include identifying water storage opportunities, supporting irrigated agriculture, and designing projects that strengthen the socio-ecological resilience of the watershed.
Current projects range in size and scope from multi-mile road decommissioning in partnership with the USFS to small acreage riparian fencing with private landowners. Projects active in 2024 include road decommissioning in Rye Creek, sediment reduction in Willow Creek, temperature reduction on Cameron Creek, and volunteer-based restoration and coordination throughout the watershed.
The salary range for project managers is $50,000-$60,000, and for seasoned project managers it is $60,000-$70,000. Actual compensation and job title will be based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. Opportunity for advancement from CPM to Restoration Director.
Position open until filled.
Job Opportunity
The Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is looking for someone to provide leadership and management of their programs and help them build for the future. The successful applicant has a background in natural resources, proven experience in program and/or grant management, and is friendly, organized, hardworking, and motivated. This position has room for both growth and creativity, and MACD will provide training opportunities for candidates, both on-the-job and through external training options.
Job Opportunity
The Montana Association of Conservation Districts is looking for someone to join their team to work on current administrative and technical assistance activities to help build for the future. The successful applicant will be friendly, detail-oriented, creative, willing to learn, and interested in contributing to collaborative conservation projects. This position has room for both growth and creativity, and MACD will provide training opportunities for candidates, both on-the-job and through external training options.
In order to better serve state conservation partners and to create a full-time employment opportunity, the Operations Manager position is being offered in collaboration with the Montana Watershed Coordination Council. The shared position is an important part of building strong conservation partnerships across the state. This is a permanent position. Please note your preferred work schedule in your application materials.
Job Opportunity
Are you interested in developing water quality improvement plans for Montana’s streams, lakes, and rivers? Are you interested in a mix of field work, data analysis, and technical document writing? Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality are looking for a Water Quality Scientist to join their team in the TMDL Section of the Water Quality Planning Bureau. This position is focused on the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and supporting TMDL implementation and other water quality and watershed improvement activities, including wetland protection activities. Writing and implementing TMDLs supports DEQ’s mission to assure that water quality is maintained & improved so that state waters can support all their beneficial uses. Primary responsibilities of this position include: Developing TMDLs to address pollutant loading sources; Organizing, analyzing, summarizing, and visually presenting water quality data and pollutant source information; Working with other internal DEQ program personnel and external stakeholders to compile water quality information and provide guidance and feedback on water quality and wetland improvement activities; Writing TMDL documents that meet all DEQ and EPA requirements; Presenting TMDLs, associated data, and scientific information to the public and stakeholders; and Documenting water quality improvement and wetland protection actions and evaluating relative success of these actions. Some field work to collect surface water quality data and assess pollutant sources, as well as travel around the state of Montana, is required.