Bureau Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an Air Quality Bureau Chief to join our team. The Bureau Chief is responsible for providing the overall vision, leadership, and management of the Air Quality Bureau's programs. The Air Quality Bureau has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the State of Montana effectively implements its air quality program and remains in compliance with all air quality standards and requirements.

The bureau responsibilities include developing approaches and solutions to the challenges faced by programs and working with stakeholders to cultivate support for Department initiatives; coordinating Bureau activities with those of other bureaus, divisions, and departments; participating in policy initiatives; and implementing or directing projects of high priority to the Department. The Bureau Chief must consider a broad spectrum of factors when making decisions and recommendations, including technical concerns, public relations, legislative relations, public policy positions, effect on other organizations, agencies, divisions, and bureaus, Departmental resources and mission, and economic impact.

The Bureau Chief establishes and implements goals, objectives, and priorities for the Bureau, with a focus on the agency's mission and regulatory role, and determines the overall work operations, initiating adjustments as needed to reflect changes in overall objectives. The Bureau Chief must be flexible, adaptable, and proactive in approaching work operations to meet the Department's and division's business needs. In conjunction with the administrator and other managers, the Bureau Chief develops strategic plans that provide direction on the nature and content to achieve short and long-term goals as it relates to the division and Department strategic plan.

The Bureau Chief is responsible for personnel management, including determining short and long-range staffing and expertise requirements; developing and implementing staff expectations and improvement plans; and coaching and mentoring direct report managers and staff. Fiscal responsibilities of the Bureau Chief include participating in the executive planning process; managing approved budgets; and developing and overseeing grant applications and funding.

At the Department of Environmental Quality, our goal is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality!

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter through the State of Montana Careers site. In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge and skills have prepared you to excel in this position. Interviews may be conducted via Zoom. The Bureau Chief position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework associated with the bureau, as well as business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, setting priorities, human resources management, successful leadership techniques, continuous process improvement, ability to effectively managing multiple and competing high-profile, sensitive, or controversial issues, and positive coordination of people and resources. The ideal candidate will be skilled in leadership, dependability, ownership of the agency's mission, perspective, accessibility, safety, discretion, outward mindset, professionalism, quality, emotional maturity, respect, judgement, and contribution to a positive and communicative work environment.
Minimum educational requirements include a bachelor's degree, five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated experience in leading people. Education or experience in a related field and supervisory/management experience preferred.

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

Effective July 1st, 2026, all employees will receive a $1/hour increase or an increase of 2.5%, whichever is greater. Effective February 23, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.