Job Opportunity
The Department of Environmental Quality is looking for a Water Quality Permitting Scientist with a specialization in coal mining to join their team in the Water Protection Bureau of the Water Quality Division.
Water Quality Permitting Scientists are responsible for performing scientific and technical analyses, calculations, assessments, and determinations essential to the implementation of water quality programs in the State of Montana.
When a municipality, industry, or other entity wishes to discharge water to a surface water of the state, that entity must first obtain a permit from DEQ. Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permits regulate wastewater discharges by limiting the quantities of pollutants to be discharged. The limits and/or requirements in the permit help ensure compliance with Montana’s Water Quality Standards, and State and Federal Regulations, all of which were written to protect public health and the aquatic environment.
There are two types of MPDES permits: Individual and General. DEQ develops the limits and requirements for an Individual Permit based on a facility’s operations, type and amount of discharge, and the nature of the receiving stream, among other factors.
The coal specialist Water Quality Permitting Scientist is responsible for writing individual permits for Western Alkaline Coal mining facilities in Montana as well as other individual and general permit writing and administration duties, as needed. A successful candidate for this position will have an interest in and experience with environmental law, especially a strong understanding of the Clean Water Act, Montana Water Quality Act, and mining regulations.
Job Opportunity
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
This position coordinates invasive species operations of the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC). This entails assessing the needs of the council through research and analysis to assure that projects and programs meet their statutory objectives. Research and analysis include working with private citizens, local government, and non-profit organizations within the council’s mission to improve programs and services. The position reviews local laws and land use ordinances and reports on these to the council for discussion, debate and policy/position actions that inform program operations outreach, education and direct action, as directed by the council. The position reports directly to the Council Administrator of MISC.
The focus of this position relates to invasive species planning, prevention and education projects including, but not limited to, all-taxa invasive plants, animals and pathogens that threaten or are established in Montana lands and waterways. This position may implement and lead education and outreach activities, volunteer management, and coordinate and implement work plans and strategies to protect Montana’s natural, cultural, and economic resources.
Job Opportunity
HydroSolutions, Inc. (HydroSolutions) seeks a Water Right Specialist to join their team. The position is available in the Helena Montana office, in full- or part-time status.
In this position you will primarily provide assistance with preparing water right permitting documents. Work will primarily be focused on projects in Montana. Typical tasks will include:
• Assist with preparation of Montana DNRC water right permits and change applications.
• Review of DNRC water right files, Water Resource Surveys, and Water Court documents and decisions.
• Data acquisition, compilation, and analysis in support of water resources or environmental projects.
• Geographic Information Systems analysis and mapping.
• Historical aerial imagery analysis and interpretation relating to historical water use.
• Perform site inspections relating to water rights, water resources, or environmental projects. Field work will include stream flow measurements, use of GPS to document conditions, install stream gages, well inspection and pumping tests, environmental baseline assessments, and more.
• Interface and communicating with state agencies including Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP); or Federal agencies like USFS, BLM, BOR, or others.
• Provide technical support and guidance to other technical staff and attorneys regarding water rights, water supply, and Water Court cases.
Job Opportunity
The position is responsible for providing the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s project management coordination associated with implementing the Compacts as described in MCA 85-20. This position conducts research, analysis using geographic information systems (GIS), and develops recommendations regarding changes to improve the Compact Implementation Program’s services. The incumbent will work on a variety of Montana’s 18 compacts and support on and off-reservation water right implementation by providing technical guidance and coordinating management of water resources.
Job Opportunity
Confluence Consulting Inc. is proud to be home to one of the largest and most innovative wetland teams in the Rocky Mountain West — but they are growing, and seek an energetic, ambitious, technically capable, and outdoor fun-loving new team member.
Based in Bozeman, Montana, Confluence is an industry leader in the study, design and management of aquatic and natural resources. For the past 25 years they have provided services to government agencies, private landowners, non-profits, and A&E firms nationwide. Their multidisciplinary team of natural resource professionals develops innovative, effective, and streamlined solutions for any aquatic resource problem.
The Senior Wetland Scientist is a permanent, salaried, full-time position, and supervised by Rich McEldowney, PWS, Confluence’s Wetland Group Lead.
The office is in Bozeman, Montana, often described as one of the best small cities to live in, especially for those who love the outdoors and appreciate the camaraderie of a vibrant mountain community. Confluence actively encourages a fun and positive work environment, with opportunities for growth, and personal and professional development.
As Sr. Wetland Scientist at Confluence, your capabilities and strengths should include:
- Wetland science experience in the inter-mountain western U.S.;
- Independent field work in all types of field conditions, often in remote locations, preferably in the northern Rockies;
- Supervision/mentorship of mid-level wetland scientists and field technicians;
- Federal, State, and local wetland/stream permitting;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Attention to detail.
Job Opportunity
NWF and partners are seeking to hire two Beaver Conflict Resolution Fellows to join the Western Water Team. As part of a small, high-impact team, these positions will work in partnership with local watershed groups, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Defenders of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management and other non-profits/agencies. The term of both positions will last from approximately May 2024-October 2024 and will be expected to work at least 30 hours per week.n If additional funding is secured, there is a strong possibility to extend this term, expand the scope of work, and/or rehire in 2025. This 6-month position offers $20.00-$23.00 per hour plus core benefits.
The Beaver Conflict Resolution Fellow positions will work to develop tolerance for beaver in FWP Regions 3 and 4, respectively (one Fellow in each region), 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, agricultural producers and key agency partners like MT FWP, USFS, and local government.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Job Opportunity
The Conservation Project Manager (CPM) at the Bitterroot Water Partnership will identify, develop, and implement restoration projects that measurably improve water quality, enhance aquatic and riparian habitats, and protect priority tributaries on both private and public lands in the Bitterroot watershed. By working closely with the Executive Director, the local agricultural community, and nonprofit and agency partners, the CPM will help the organization respond to the impacts of growth, development, and climate change, on water quality and water quantity, and be responsible for identifying water storage opportunities, advancing programs to ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, and designing projects that support the socio-ecological resilience of the watershed.
Duties include developing restoration projects to address current water issues or threats, writing and managing grants to fund projects, and overseeing project implementation, including budgets, subcontracting, construction oversight, volunteer management, and monitoring.
Projects range in size and scope from multi-mile road decommissioning work in partnership with the Bitterroot National Forest to small acreage riparian fencing with private landowners. Projects active in 2024 include road decommissioning in Rye Creek, sediment reduction in Willow Creek, and volunteer-based restoration and coordination throughout the watershed.
Job Opportunity
The Bitterroot Water Partnership (BWP) is seeking a dynamic and organized individual to join their team as an Administrative Coordinator. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless operations of the organization, directly contributing to conservation successes on-the-ground and within the community.
From managing calendars and correspondence to implementing efficient systems and policies, the Administrative Coordinator will ensure that the BWP operations run smoothly. Attention to detail will be critical in maintaining records, databases, and files. Excellent communication skills will support staff meeting facilitation and fostering a welcoming environment. The Administrative Coordinator will greet visitors, manage relationships, and tackle tasks with enthusiasm and professionalism, embodying the BWPs commitment to community impact.
Job Opportunity
River Ambassadors are part of a small seasonal team focused on improving public recreation experiences and protecting conservation investments in Missoula Valley rivers. River Ambassadors work is field based and outdoors. Ambassadors work at popular river access sites to provide assistance and information to the public about shuttles, parking, take-outs, floats, and best practices when spending time on the river. This position will serve a geographical area primarily focused on river access within 10 miles of Missoula’s urban downtown, including Milltown State Park, the Downtown river trail system, Kelly Island, and Maclay Flats. River Ambassadors will work on the land (primarily by bike and foot) and on the water (stand-up paddleboard, kayak, etc.)
The River Ambassador program is a collaboration between the Clark Fork Coalition (CFC), Missoula County, the City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and the Lolo National Forest. Ambassadors will report to the CFC’s Community Programs Manager. As part of a small, high-impact team, the Ambassador will play a significant role in delivering on-the-ground public outreach and building an informed and engaged recreation community who will advocate for, and support, sustainable river recreation in the Missoula Valley.