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Water Quality Standards Scientist, Montana Dept. of Env. Quality

Posted: 
01/17/2024
Expiration Date: 
01/25/2024

The Department of Environmental Quality is looking to hire a Water Quality Standards Scientist to join our team in the Water Quality Standards and Modeling Section within the Water Quality Planning Bureau. We are seeking a self-motivated individual who can apply science and policy to protect human health and the environment. This position is responsible for developing, reviewing, and interpreting water quality standards. Innovation is encouraged to design and implement research and field-based investigations to inform water quality standards development. Additional responsibilities include:

  • Applying technical expertise on toxicity and the effects of water pollutants, sampling and analytical methods, and the analysis of environmental data to develop standards and guide their implementation.
  • Evaluating applicability of federal recommended water quality criteria and guidance in Montana.
  • Serving as a subject matter expert in state and federal water quality regulations and standards, including documenting and interpreting their scientific rationale.
  • Overseeing adoption of water quality rules, applying rulemaking procedures and coordinating with DEQ programs, legal staff, US EPA, and stakeholders. 

The Water Quality Standards Scientist position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. 

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental or earth science, limnology, hydrology, biology, aquatic biology, environmental engineering, natural resource management, soils, or a closely related field with relevant course work.
  • Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in application and interpretation of water quality standards or related field.
  • Preferred knowledge of the Federal Clean Water Act with the ability to learn Montana’s Clean Water Act (MCA 75-5).
  • Current valid Driver’s License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy. 

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

In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position. 

Applications, including supplemental materials such as cover letter or resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site (https://statecareers.mt.gov/) by the closing date of the announcement.   

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: $58,760.00 - 67,600.00 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 

Shift: Day Job 

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time  

Primary Location: Helena  

Agency: Department of Environmental Quality

Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees  

Posting Date: Jan 4, 2024

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone):  Jan 26, 2024, 12:59:00 AM 

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume  

Contact Name:  Tiffany Fontenot  |  Contact Email:  Tiffany.Fontenot@mt.gov  |  Contact Phone:  406-444-4218

https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=241400...