Are you interested in historic water use, water rights, maps, and aerial photo interpretation? Would you find working in a career that has both legal and technical challenges interesting? Would you like assisting water right owners? If so, we invite you to apply to work for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Water Resources Division in Missoula, 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 actively seeking a Regional Office Hydro Specialist who values the vast resources in our treasure state as much as we do.
The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers 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 Water Resource Division is responsible for managing Montana’s water for the present and future needs of its people. We conduct field operations and day-to-day activities for the programsof 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 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.
Description of Duties: Under the direction of the regional manager, this position performs technical duties in support of Water Resources Division programs implemented by the Lewistown Water Resources Regional Office and provides assistance and information to the public and other branches of government.
- Researches, gathers and analyzes water resources information and makes recommendations regarding water use, availability and management.
- Examines historic water right claims and evaluates water use applications in accordance with state law, rules, policies and procedures.
- Prepares detailed technical reports tailored to specific situations reflecting analysis on water use applications, changes and historic water right claims
- Prepares maps utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and evaluates proposed, existing, and historical water rights to determine validity.
- Consults hydrologic professionals for information and to resolve technical hydrologic questions and problems relating to historical, existing, and proposed water uses.
- Assists with monitoring of state projects in the region.
- Appears as a witness at administrative and water court hearings.
The above description of duties is an overview and not all-inclusive list that may be assigned to the incumbent.
If you have any questions regarding this position or would like a complete job description, please contact Kellie Richetti at krichetti@mt.gov
Application and Selection Process:The DNRC may include the following factors in determining whether an applicant meets the qualifications of a position vacancy by: State of MT application form, cover letter, current resume, educational requirements, structured interview, a performance test, job-related reference checks, job-related work experience, job-related past and current performance.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR THIS POSITION ARE:
- State Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References
HELPFUL HINT: You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): The skills needed are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or the natural sciences, plus a minimum of three years of experience with water resources management. Coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, public speaking, and writing is desirable.
Alternate combinations of education and experience that have resulted in the acquisition of the listed skills may also be considered.
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver’s license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
- Applicants must be able to climb embankments, walk on uneven surfaces for up to a mile and crawl through confined spaces such as siphon pipes.
- Selected candidate may be eligible to receive relocating expenses per DNRC Moving and Relocation policy.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a “green card”.
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: Not Applicable
Salary: $ 26.55 – 26.55 Hourly
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
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Primary Location: Missoula
Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
Union: 000 – None
Posting Date: May 24, 2023, 10:48:40 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer’s timezone): Jun 15, 2023, 8:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References
Contact Name: kellie l richetti | Contact Email: krichetti@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 4064440513 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.
