The State of Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking two dedicated and insightful Water Conservation Specialist 2’s to join our team. The Water Conservation Specialists play a vital role in executing procedures and tasks critical to managing Montana’s water resources and supports the DNRC’s mission to ensure Montana’s land and water resources benefit present and future generations.
Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division
· Stewardship
· Service
· Credibility
· Engagement
Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities)
As a Water Conservation Specialist, you will:
· Conduct scientific field examinations related to petitions, measuring water usage, confirming the points of diversion and place of use.
· Provide testimony as an expert witness in contested case hearings and offer technical support for hearings and quantification issues.
· Review and interpret maps, aerial photos, and prepare public notice documents and respond to public comments regarding permit and change applications.
· Coordinate with regional offices on public notification and public comment processes.
· Use the Water Rights Notification tool and ensure proper notifications and documentation.
· Perform additional professional and technical duties in support of DNRC division objectives, participate on hiring teams, and attend professional development opportunities.
Benefits:
Live and working in Helena, Montana offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and hiking.
Additional benefits include:
· Work/life balance with flexible schedules.
· Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation 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.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.
Minimum Qualifications
Alternative combinations of the education and experience listed below will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
· Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, the natural a relevant field is preferred
· 1+ years of related work experience (additional experience may substitute for some education).
Coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, public speaking and writing is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
If you are the right person for this opportunity, you will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
· Knowledge of (or ability to learn in a reasonable amount of time) Montana water law, water resource management theories, local water use practices, and relevant administrative processes.
· Skill in technical software (including GIS, databases, Word, Excel), data analysis, technical writing, organization and communication.
· Ability to build relationships, make sound judgements, take initiative, and convey technical information concisely.
Physical and Mental Requirements
· Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods, operate standard office equipment, and attend meetings both onsite and offsite.
· Occasional travel.
How to Apply
A complete state application is not required. However, applicants must initiate an application and attach both a cover letter and resume at the time of application in order to be considered for this position. Failure to attach both required documents will result in the application being considered incomplete and not reviewed further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. When attaching documents, mark each as Relevant to ensure they are viewable.
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).
All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.
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: $ 63,544.00 – 63,544.00 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: 2
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Union: 000 – None
Posting Date: Oct 7, 2025, 4:47:40 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer’s timezone): Oct 30, 2025, 6:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Tracey Thennis | Contact Email: Tracey.Thennis2@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-0513
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.
