Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor

Water Resources Office; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Water Resources Office at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality seeks a Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor to lead the section within the Water Quality Planning Bureau. The role guides staff, aligns operations with agency priorities, and coordinates with division programs to support water-quality goals.

You will provide strategic leadership, manage budgets, promote continuous improvement, and foster collaboration with local, state, federal, and Tribal partners to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Aquatic Biology, Geology, or closely related field.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience including demonstrated leadership or supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and support staff by communicating priorities and expectations; develop annual work plans.
• Direct day-to-day section operations and align work with DEQ strategic plans.
• Coordinate with division programs to support an integrated water-quality improvement process.
• Provide statewide leadership for nonpoint source pollution management and wetland conservation.
• Manage program funding and budgets; monitor expenditures and evaluate results.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and pursue collaborative, locally supported solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Project management

Budgeting

Staff development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Description - Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor (26142342)

Position Title:

Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor - ( 26142342 )

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.

• 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.

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.

Effective February 23, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

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.

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: $

85,044.00 - 92,506.00 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, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Environmental Quality Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Oct 14, 2026, 6:00:00 AM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 5, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

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.