Water Conservation Specialist 2

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 hiring 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. We empower 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.

• Work/life balance with flexible schedules.
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
• Career progression, professional development and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or the natural sciences.
• Three years of experience with water-resource management.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Preferred knowledge:

• Knowledge of Montana water law, relevant interstate and reserved water compacts, rules, policies, procedures, and government operations.
• Knowledge of water resource-related management theories, principles, concepts and practices; field investigation methodologies; and negotiation, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of local water availability, water use practices, water measurement techniques and devices, irrigation methods and designs, public land ownership records, court decrees and orders.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal governmental administrative processes.

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter – Please explain how your education and experience help you meet the identified Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.
• Resume – Include all the work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position including duties and dates of employment (month & year).