Water Quality Scientist - TMDL Planner

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Vor Ort; USD 66.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Zusammenfassung

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.

Qualifikationen

• 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.

Aufgaben

• 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.

Kenntnisse

Geographic Information Systems

R programming

Statistical analysis

Technical writing

Public speaking

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or closely related field

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

R programming

Statistical analysis software

Jobbeschreibung

Job Description - Water Quality Scientist - TMDL Planner (26142552)

Position Title:

Water Quality Scientist - TMDL Planner - ( 26142552 )

Are you interested in developing water quality improvement plans for Montana's streams, lakes, and rivers? Are you interested in a mix of field work, data analysis, and technical document writing? We are looking for a Water Quality Scientist to join our team in the TMDL Section of the Water Quality Planning Bureau. This position is focused on the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and supporting TMDL implementation and other water quality and watershed improvement activities. Writing and implementing TMDLs supports DEQ's mission to assure that water quality is maintained and improved so that state waters can support all their beneficial uses.

Primary responsibilities of this position include: Developing TMDLs to address pollutant loading sources; Organizing, analyzing, summarizing, and visually presenting water quality data and pollutant source information; Working with other 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; and 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 assess pollutant sources, as well as travel around the state of Montana, is required.

At the Department of Environmental Quality, our ultimate goal istochampion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ employees are the heart of our organization. We value the people and invest in their professional growth, promoting a culture of cross-agency collaboration as we find solutions to the environmental challenges we face. DEQ values – leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making – are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of theDepartment of Environmental Quality!

The Water Quality Scientist position includes a career ladder for 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 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.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Both a cover letter and resume are required. In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position, including your knowledge of surface water quality and nonpoint sources.

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

66,040.00 - 80,080.00 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, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Agency

Department of Environmental Quality

Union

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Oct 9, 2026, 3:54:19 PM

Closing Date

Oct 31, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume

Contact

Contact Name : Tiffany Daley | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone]

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the 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.