Water Conservation Specialist 1 in Glasgow

What if your next role lets you investigate water rights across Montana, contribute to critical water management decisions, and safeguard one of the state's most vital natural resources every single day? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Water Resources Division is recruiting multiple Water Conservation Specialist 1 positions across Montana to champion water resource management and ensure consistent stewardship of Montana's water rights. If you are a detail-driven natural resources professional who loves turning complex data into clear findings, seeks opportunity for field visits and wants your work to matter far beyond your desk, this position offers the chance to leave a lasting mark on how Montana's water is managed and protected.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Division's technical expert in evaluating water rights claims, analyzing water availability, and conducting comprehensive water use assessments across regional offices and programs.
• Evaluate the accuracy of claims to historical water use following Supreme Court rules, reviewing technical information in proposed and final orders.
• Conduct field examinations, measure flow rates and volumes, and provide expert testimony in Water Court hearings and contested-case proceedings.
• Analyze water use statements, permits, and records using GIS mapping, aerial photographs, and field investigations to identify appropriation issues.
• Synthesize field data, water management information, and research findings into clear reports and presentations for the Water Court, the public, and agency partners.
• Review land title records, county documents, and water right records to process applications while ensuring compliance with state law and department policy.
• Provide technical and investigative assistance to department attorneys and Water Court staff on contested water rights issues.
• Gather and analyze facts related to water disputes, suggest alternatives for resolution, and maintain an unbiased position in addressing objections and conflicts.
• Research and compile water use information, well logs, and land ownership records to create GIS maps and detailed reports for the public, water users, attorneys, and the Water Court.
• Assist with processing new water right applications, verification forms, splits, severs, ownership updates and temporary lease and change exception filings using statewide water databases and adhering to relevant statutes, rules and policies.
• Participate in training, conferences, and professional development to strengthen expertise in water law, water measurement, and conflict resolution.
• Support the water court and public understanding by providing technical and investigative assistance to department attorneys and Water Court staff on contested water rights issues.

Potential Impact Areas

• Shape water management across Montana by contributing to processing new water right applications and related filings.
• Gather data and analyses that inform decisions affecting water rights, permits, and public interest.

Candidate Location and Lifestyle

Live and work in the Northeastern Montana agricultural and commerce hub of Glasgow, Montana. Montana offers recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.

Benefits

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays).
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Minimum Qualifications

Alternative combinations of the education and experience listed below will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Bachelor's degree in natural resource management or natural sciences, plus a minimum of one year of experience with water resources management. Coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, public speaking, and writing is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

If you are the right person for this opportunity, you will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of Montana water law, relevant interstate and reserved water compacts, rules, policies, procedures, and government operations.
• Knowledge of water resource management theories, field investigation methodologies, negotiation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of local water availability, water use practices, water measurement techniques and devices, irrigation methods and designs.
• Knowledge of public landownership records, court decrees and orders, and geological formations affecting water availability.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal governmental administrative processes.
• Skills in using personal computers, databases, GIS applications, and technical software; reading and interpreting land descriptions; organizing and prioritizing duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; analyze complex issues; be organized, self-motivated, and able to manage projects; communicate effectively in writing and orally; convey complex laws and technical information to the public clearly.
• Ability to travel to regional offices, community meetings, field investigations, and Water Court proceedings across Montana.
• Requires analytical thinking and independent decision-making.
• Occasional public speaking, testimony delivery, and facilitation with diverse stakeholders and legal representatives.

How to Apply

Only online submissions are accepted. Applicants must attach both a cover letter and resume at the time of application to be considered for this position. Failure to attach required documents will result in the application being considered incomplete and not reviewed further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. When attaching documents, mark each as Relevant to ensure they are viewable.

Salary and Status

Salary: 61,464.00 Yearly. Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible. 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, 5% of the Time. Location and Posting Primary Location: Glasgow. Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation. Post date: Feb 3, 2026. Closing date: Feb 20, 2026.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Tracey Thennis | Email: Tracey.Thennis2@mt.gov | Phone: 406-444-0513

The State of Montana has a decentralized HR system. For accommodations in the application or hiring process, contact the agency’s HR staff identified on the job listing. 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.