Water Rights Compliance Lead — New Appropriations

Water Resources Office; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation expense reimbursement

Generous paid leave

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Telework eligibility

Job summary

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation is seeking a Compliance Specialist 3 - New Appropriations Program Specialist in Helena to connect statewide priorities with regional offices. You will interpret water rights laws, review reports, and help resolve complex questions while developing practical improvements to policies and tools.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in resource management or a natural resource field, plus four years of relevant experience and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in resource management or a natural resource field.
• Minimum of four years of experience in a resource management field.
• Preferred Experience: Coursework or experience in physical sciences, engineering, hydrology, natural sciences, or computer science is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support regional offices by interpreting water rights laws, administrative rules, policies, and procedures and helping resolve complex program questions.
• Review technical reports, decision documents, and other work products for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
• Research scientific and legal information, evaluate recurring issues, and recommend practical improvements to policies, procedures, and program tools.
• Develop and deliver training that helps staff apply new and existing requirements with confidence.
• Improve forms, manuals, checklists, and public information materials to make program processes clearer and more effective.
• Provide guidance on water rights databases, data entry requirements, and opportunities to improve database processes.
• Support specialized water rights work, including water reservations, compact reporting, and review of objections to permit and change applications.

Skills

Analytical judgment

Clear communication

Collaboration

Organization

Technical proficiency

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in resource management or natural resource

Job description

Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation is seeking a Compliance Specialist 3 - New Appropriations Program Specialist in Helena to connect statewide priorities with regional offices. You will interpret water rights laws, review reports, and help resolve complex questions while developing practical improvements to policies and tools.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in resource management or a natural resource field, plus four years of relevant experience and the