Water Quality Scientist

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.