Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Helena, MT (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Water Resources Division, is seeking an experienced and collaborative Deputy Division Administrator to help lead one of the state's most critical natural resource programs. This executivelevel position plays a key role by providing strategic leadership for statewide water programs, overseeing complex division operations and budgets, and representing the Division and Department before the Legislature, Governor's Office, tribal governments, local governments, federal agencies, and stakeholders.

Leading people, programs, and policy for Montana's waters

In this role, you will:

• Oversee division operations and business functions for a 150FTE division with a biennial budget of more than $60 million, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with DNRC's mission and state requirements.

• Provide executivelevel leadership to staff by supervising managers and bureau chiefs, directing HR functions in coordination with DNRC leadership and HR, and supporting succession planning, performance management, and professional development.

• Lead water programs and policy by codeveloping division strategy, guiding implementation of statewide water management policies and procedures, and helping shape legislation that affects water users across Montana.

• Represent the Division on complex, highvisibility issues by working directly with policy makers, partners, and stakeholders and providing expert testimony and recommendations on proposed regulations and legislation.

• Serves as a member of the Department's executive leadership team, sharing responsibility for strategic direction, policy development, organizational performance, and coordinated implementation of Department and Division priorities. 

If you enjoy guiding teams through complexity, balancing competing interests, and shaping how public policy is put into practice, this role offers a rare opportunity to influence Montana's water future.

Core Values of DNRC's Water Resources Division

• Valuing People

• Stewardship

• Service

• Credibility

• Engagement

The selected candidate may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

Why Helena? Why Montana?

Helena is Montana's capital city and a hub for government, healthcare, and outdoor adventure. It offers a smallcity feel with the amenities of a state capital. Residents enjoy short commutes, a walkable historic downtown, and a strong sense of community.

In Helena and the surrounding area, you will find:

• Miles of nearby trails for hiking, biking, running, and dog walking.

• Easy access to rivers and lakes for fishing, paddling, boating, and swimming, plus skiing and snow sports within a short drive.

• A relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with four distinct seasons, vibrant local events, and thriving food and beverage scene.

• Montana is known for its wideopen spaces, public lands, and tightknit communities. Helena offers the chance to live in a place people seek out for its landscapes and recreation, while doing work that directly shapes Montana's future.

Benefits Include:

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays). Vacation leave increases with years of service.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457b Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Longevity pay with continued state service.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combinations of education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, law, environmental science, or a related field.

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory or program administration, water or natural resource management, and related fields.

• Seniorlevel leadership experience with staff supervision, oversight of multiple programs, and significant budget management responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Successful candidates will bring:

• Strong leadership experience overseeing programs, staff, and budgets in a regulatory, public administration, or natural resources setting.

• Demonstrated success managing operations, setting priorities, and making wellsupported decisions in dynamic, highvisibility environments.

• Knowledge of government operations, budgeting, and personnel management, and skill in aligning daytoday activities with statutory requirements, policies, and strategic goals.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with division staff, DNRC leadership, legislators, tribes, federal partners, local governments, water users, and other stakeholders.

• Strong communication skills, including public speaking, stakeholder facilitation, negotiation, and clear, accessible writing on complex or technical topics.

• Capacity to lead through change; anticipate and address problems promptly; and manage sensitive or contentious issues with professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

Work Environment

Work is primarily in a professional office setting with frequent meetings and regular interaction with the public, legislators, legal counsel, DNRC leadership, the Governor's Office, stakeholders, and other regulatory agencies, along with periodic travel for meetings, hearings, and events.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit the following via the State of Montana Careers site:

• Cover letter describing your interest in this position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications

• Resume or CV.