Water Quality Scientist & TMDL Planner

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Department of Environmental Quality in Helena, MT is seeking a Water Quality Scientist to develop TMDLs and support implementation for Montana waters. The role blends field work, data analysis, and technical writing to meet DEQ and EPA requirements.

You will present findings to the public and stakeholders, collaborate with internal teams and external partners, and contribute to watershed improvement actions while traveling statewide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Aquatic Biology, Geology, Limnology, Hydrology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Three years of work experience in aquatic science, hydrology, water quality planning, water or environmental resource management, nonpoint source pollution prevention, or a closely related field.
• Preferred working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, R programming, and statistical analysis.
• Technical writing and public speaking skills preferred.
• Current valid Driver's License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle laws.

Responsibilities

• Developing TMDLs to address pollutant loading sources.
• Organizing, analyzing, summarizing, and visually presenting water quality data and pollutant source information.
• Working with internal DEQ program personnel and external stakeholders to compile water quality information and provide guidance and feedback on water quality and wetland improvement activities.
• Writing TMDL documents that meet all DEQ and EPA requirements.
• Presenting TMDLs, associated data, and scientific information to the public and stakeholders.
• Documenting water quality improvement and wetland protection actions and evaluating relative success of these actions.
• Some field work to collect surface water quality data and travel around Montana.

Skills

Geographic Information Systems

R programming

Statistical analysis

Technical writing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or closely related field

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

R programming

Statistical analysis software

Job description

The Department of Environmental Quality in Helena, MT is seeking a Water Quality Scientist to develop TMDLs and support implementation for Montana waters. The role blends field work, data analysis, and technical writing to meet DEQ and EPA requirements.

You will present findings to the public and stakeholders, collaborate with internal teams and external partners, and contribute to watershed improvement actions while traveling statewide.