This is a Modified Position
Work Unit Overview: Water Resources Division (WRD) is responsible for promoting and coordinating the beneficial use, conservation, protection, and development of Montana’s water resources. The Division carries out its duties to promote the general welfare, economic and social prosperity of the people of Montana.
Water Sciences Bureau (WSB) supports the mission of the WRD by conducting hydrologic assessments of Montana’s surface water and groundwater resources, conducting water resource planning studies, fostering stewardship of the state’s water resources through diverse outreach programs, providing technical support to other bureaus within WRD and supporting the development of new water resources policies, rules, and regulations. The WSB is organized into a Hydro-science Study Section and Hydro-science Data Section. The work of the Sections is coordinated through the Bureau Chief. In carrying out their duties, WSB staff frequently partner with local water users, watershed groups, conservation districts, other bureaus and Divisions within DNRC, and other state and federal agencies.
Job Overview:
This position is full-time, flexible schedule, up to 1,040 hrs/year, and is funded for 2 years. Primary duties would occur during the spring/summer/fall. The anticipated start date of this position would be in April 2023 but is dependent on the availability of the successful applicant. The purpose of this position is to provide technical field support to the Hydro-sciences Study Section, primarily by working in Montana’s Upper Yellowstone Watershed (Park County) to collect hydrology field data. The successful candidate will also be expected to represent the Department in regular, spontaneous interactions with diverse water users while in the field or while attending scheduled community events, such as watershed group meetings. The position reports directly to the workgroup lead, and indirectly to the Section Supervisor and is also required to exercise considerable discretion, autonomy, creativity, and professional judgement.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.
The successful candidate will assist and support hydrologic investigations conducted by the Hydro-Sciences Study Section. Duties will include following uniform and established methods to collect surface water and groundwater data. Specific tasks include:
- Collecting stream discharge measurements with a variety of measurement devices.
- Collecting groundwater data by downloading data from groundwater data loggers and measuring groundwater level.
- Maintenance and upkeep of stream and irrigation canal/ditch gages.
- Mapping of irrigation infrastructure including ditches, canals, and fields.
- Attending water user and watershed group meetings.
- Directly interacting with a diverse group of stakeholders when on-duty in the field or in public meetings.
Other Duties as Assigned: This position performs a variety of other duties in support of ongoing Section, Bureau, Division and Department operations. This includes supporting special projects and supporting and participating in ongoing training and educational programs.
Working Conditions: The position is based in Helena, Montana, although the majority of work (75% +) will occur in the field, in Montana’s Upper Yellowstone Watershed (Park County, generally). Frequent travel and field work are required. The position will also require routine, multi-night camping trips and long hours working alone. Travel may exceed 1,500 miles per month. The position requires the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain to carry field equipment to data collection sites. The incumbent must be able to work outdoors during bad weather. The incumbent must rely on experience and judgement as to what safety precautions are prudent. The incumbent must have good, driving skills required for both on-road and off-road travel and during times of inclement weather. Some irregular hours, evenings, and weekends are involved.
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, job-related reference checks, job-related work experience, job-related past and current performance.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR THIS POSITION ARE:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References
TIP: When attaching your resume and other material, you must mark the attachments as “relevant”
Additional Benefits for this position: Paid Sick Leave (after 90 days), Non-exempt comp time, and Holiday Pay.
If you would like further information about this position or would like to see the full job description, please contact Kellie Richetti at KRichetti@mt.gov.
External Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
- Higher education course work or certificate in a field related to Hydrology, Earth Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or Water Resources, with an emphasis in water resources or agricultural land management is required.
- Previous experience in hydrologic measurements, working with diverse stakeholder groups, and public speaking is preferred.
- Education or experience equivalent and comparable to that specified above may meet job requirements and would be considered on an individual basis.
Required Knowledge:
- Principles, theories, and methods of hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geomorphology, integrated remote sensing, meteorology, geospatial analysis, and groundwater and/or surface water data collection.
- Working knowledge of water use and water conservation methods in Montana.
- Practical understanding of a multitude of topics, including state and federal water policies and the implications of water policy decisions.
- Hydrologic field methodologies and use of appropriate instrumentation for water measurement.
- Basic knowledge of irrigation system design and practices common to Montana including sprinkler and flood irrigation systems.
- Spatial information development, data management, GIS software (ArcGIS), spatial data analysis and mapping principles.
- Public presenting, outreach, and communication
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.
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: $20.55 – 20.55 Hourly
Benefits Package Eligibility: Retirement Plan Optional
Number of Openings: 1
Employee Status: Temporary
Schedule: Variable
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 75 % of the Time
Primary Location: Bozeman
Other Locations: Helena
Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Union: 000 – None
Posting Date: Jan 7, 2023, 3:32:05 AM
Closing Date (based on your computer’s timezone): Jan 30, 2023, 1:59:00 PM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References
Contact Name: Kellie Richetti | Contact Email: krichetti@me.com | 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.
