Are you looking for a career where you can protect the environment and human health while positively impacting the state of Montana? Do you enjoy engaging with communities, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, leading a team of scientists working on diverse and unusual projects/sites, and thinking creatively to address a wide variety of environmental concerns?
We are looking for a Bureau Chief to join our team in the Water Quality Division leading the Public Water Supply Bureau. The Public Water Supply Bureau Chief is responsible for providing operational management, direction, budget, and resource allocation for multiple programs, funding sources, and staff. The Public Water Supply Bureau protects Montana’s public water supplies through implementation of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. This bureau regulates public drinking water systems across the state, and programs within this bureau work with public water supplies, Drinking Water Operators, and local government to comply with best practice, and meet EPA guidance and Montana Code. The successful candidate for this position will benefit from a background in Environmental Science, Public Health, Water Policy, and the ability to work with the regulated community.
At the Department of Environmental Quality, our ultimate goal is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ employees are the heart of our organization. We value the people and invest in their professional growth, promoting a culture of cross-agency collaboration as we find solutions to the environmental challenges we face. DEQ values – leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making – are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality!
The Public Water Supply Bureau Chief position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. This position may be eligible for occasional telework.
Master’s degree in public administration, business, or a specified field of expertise relevant to the program.
Five years of dedicated job-related experience.
Regularly manage at least five FTE directly or indirectly within the managed reporting structure, including hiring, firing, performance management,
discipline, work distribution, and employee development.
Managed employees are represented by at least two different occupations.
Provide operational management functions authorized by executives, including allocate staffing resources; plan for and manage office, IT, and other
approved resources; and provide oversight for project and program resources.
Manage budgets within authorized thresholds established by executives and the legislature.
Other combinations of education and experience may be accepted on a case-by-case basis
Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position.
Applications, including supplemental materials such as cover letter or resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site (https://statecareers.mt.gov/) by the closing date of the announcement.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: $ 95,800.00 – 107,109.00 Yearly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings: 1
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality Union: 000 – None
Posting Date: Oct 1, 2025, 8:00:00 AM
Closing Date (based on your computer’s timezone): Oct 23, 2025, 7:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Tiffany Daley | Contact Email: Tiffany.Daley@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 4064444218
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency’s HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
