Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Department of Environmental Quality seeks a Section Supervisor for the Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section under the Water Quality Planning Bureau. Lead staff, set priorities, manage budgets, and coordinate with multiple programs to advance water-quality goals.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and progressive leadership experience, with a focus on watershed protection and stakeholder engagement. A valid driver’s license may be required.

Qualifications

• Leadership or supervision experience with staff
• Ability to align section work with agency priorities
• Experience coordinating with multiple programs and stakeholders
• Strong communication and project management skills
• Experience with budgeting and funding sources

Responsibilities

• Lead the section with strategic direction and performance feedback
• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with plans and regulations
• Coordinate with division programs to support water-quality initiatives
• Provide statewide leadership for nonpoint source management and wetlands
• Manage budgets, funding sources, and accountability measures
• Foster collaboration with local, state, federal, and tribal partners
• Represent the section in internal and external coordination efforts

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Strategic planning

Staff development

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy implementation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field

Job description

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a Section Supervisor to lead the Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section within the Water Quality Planning Bureau. The section administers programs that protect and restore water quality from the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution and provides statewide leadership for wetland conservation activities.

The Section Supervisor provides strategic, operational, and personnel leadership for the section; ensures effective implementation of agency, division, and bureau priorities; and works closely with the Bureau Chief to establish direction, identify emerging issues and controversy, and evaluate program effectiveness.

Core duties

• Lead, supervise, and support staff by communicating priorities and expectations; developing annual work plans; providing timely performance feedback; and advancing professional development.
• Direct day-to-day section operations and align work with DEQ strategic plans, Water Quality Division priorities, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Coordinate with Water Quality Division programs—including monitoring and assessment, water-quality standards and modeling, permitting programs, and TMDL development—to support an integrated water-quality improvement process.
• Provide statewide leadership for nonpoint source pollution management and wetland conservation, including water-quality protection, restoration, planning, outreach, and project support.
• Manage program funding and budgets in accordance with statutory, grant, and other funding-source requirements; establish fiscally responsible goals; monitor expenditures; and evaluate results.
• Implement policies, procedures, and continuous-improvement practices that promote efficient operations, accountability, and effective program delivery.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local, state, federal, Tribal, nonprofit, and other stakeholders; foster communication among diverse interests; and pursue collaborative, locally supported solutions to water-quality challenges.
• Represent the Section in internal and external coordination efforts, communicate program needs and accomplishments, and keep the Bureau Chief informed of significant issues, risks, and opportunities.

Program context

Montana’s Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section addresses diffuse sources of water pollution and supports watershed-based protection and restoration efforts. The program emphasizes collaboration, community-driven watershed approaches, voluntary implementation of best practices, and coordination with partners to protect beneficial uses of Montana waters.

DEQ’s mission is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. The Department values leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, sound decision-making, professional growth, and cross-agency collaboration.

This position includes a career ladder that supports professional development and pay progression.

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Aquatic Biology, Geology, Limnology, Hydrology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.

Three or more years of progressively responsible experience including demonstrated leadership or supervision, may include experience from informal roles, and proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred experience with business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, setting priorities, human resources management, leadership techniques, coordination of people and resources, and communication skills focused on stakeholder outreach.

Preferred education or experience in program area.

May require current valid Driver’s License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy.

Other combinations of education and experience may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.