Water Rights Analyst & Field Specialist

State of Montana; Montana; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Generous leave

Retirement plans

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

State of Montana, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Water Resources Division, seeks a Water Conservation Specialist 1 in Montana. You will investigate water rights, analyze data, and assist with water court proceedings, providing technical support and fieldwork across regional offices.

The role focuses on evaluating water right claims, conducting field measurements, and preparing reports for the Water Court, the public, and agency partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or natural sciences is required.
• Minimum of one year of experience with water resources management is required.
• Desirable coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, public speaking, and writing.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze water right claims and water use information, provide technical assistance to the Water Court, and testify as an expert witness in contested cases and hearings.
• Conduct scientific field investigations to measure water use, verify diversion and place of use, assess compliance with permits and regulations, and collect data on surface and groundwater conditions.
• Process and fully review new water right applications and notices, research supporting records, and enter and maintain accurate information in the centralized water rights database.
• Research and compile water use, well log, land ownership, and decree information to assist the public with precise information and interpretation in water resource matters.
• Provide public assistance and apply dispute resolution techniques to analyze facts and laws, suggest alternatives, and help resolve water use conflicts and objections while remaining impartial.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and special projects, represent the Department to local groups, and contribute to planning, budgeting, and other regional office operational activities as assigned.

Skills

GIS analysis

Data interpretation

Public speaking

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or natural sciences

Tools

GIS software

Job description

State of Montana, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Water Resources Division, seeks a Water Conservation Specialist 1 in Montana. You will investigate water rights, analyze data, and assist with water court proceedings, providing technical support and fieldwork across regional offices.

The role focuses on evaluating water right claims, conducting field measurements, and preparing reports for the Water Court, the public, and agency partners.