Water Quality Permitting Scientist

We are currently looking for a Water Quality Permitting Scientist with a specialization in coal mining to join our team in the Water Protection Bureau of the Water Quality Division.

Water Quality Permitting Scientists are responsible for performing scientific and technical analyses, calculations, assessments, and determinations essential to the implementation of water quality programs in the State of Montana.

When a municipality, industry, or other entity wishes to discharge water to a surface water of the state, that entity must first obtain a permit from DEQ. Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permits regulate wastewater discharges by limiting the quantities of pollutants to be discharged. The limits and/or requirements in the permit help ensure compliance with Montana's Water Quality Standards, and State and Federal Regulations, all of which were written to protect public health and the aquatic environment.

There are two types of MPDES permits: Individual and General. DEQ develops the limits and requirements for an Individual Permit based on a facility's operations, type and amount of discharge, and the nature of the receiving stream, among other factors.

The coal specialist Water Quality Permitting Scientist is responsible for writing individual permits for Western Alkaline Coal mining facilities in Montana as well as other individual and general permit writing and administration duties, as needed. A successful candidate for this position will have an interest in and experience with environmental law, especially a strong understanding of the Clean Water Act, Montana Water Quality Act, and mining regulations.

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

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 Permitting Scientist position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. This position may be eligible for occasional telework.

The minimum qualifications for this position include:

• Bachelor's degree in physical, earth, or life sciences.

• Two years of directly related experience.

The successful candidate will bring the following combination of skills and experience:

Experience:

• analyzing and interpreting environmental data
• reviewing and implementing state and federal statutes, rules, and policies
• reviewing specifications and processes at public works and industrial facilities, especially mine facilities
• writing technical documents for a general audience
• acting as an effective liaison between diverse stakeholders

Skills:

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Managing multiple technical projects

• Excellent record keeping

• Systems thinking and evidence-based decision making

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