Water Quality Scientist - TMDL Planner

Job Description

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 is to champion 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 the Department 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.
Applications, including required supplemental materials such as cover letter and 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: $

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, 11:54:19 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
:

Oct 31, 2026, 1:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials
:

Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name
:

Tiffany Daley

|

Contact Email
:

Tiffany.Daley@mt.gov

|

Contact Phone
:

4064444218

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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. Applications, including required supplemental materials such as cover letter and 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: $ 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

Requirements

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 is to champion 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 the Department 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.
Applications, including required supplemental materials such as cover letter and 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: $

66,040.00

-

80,080.00

Yearly

Telework Eligibility
:

Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)