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Entry Level Water Rights Attorney Jobs in Montana

State of Montana

Evaluate new and existing water rights, analyze water availability, and make defensible decisions ... Provide technical information and support to landowners, consultants, attorneys, conservation ...

Montana

Water Conservation Specialist2

Lewistown, MT · Hybrid

Evaluate new and existing water rights, analyze water availability, and make defensible decisions ... Provide technical information and support to landowners, consultants, attorneys, conservation ...

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Associate Attorney

Helena, MT · On-site

Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience.

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Associate Attorney

Helena, MT · On-site

Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience.

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Associate Attorney

Helena, MT · On-site

Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience.

Schnabel Inc.

Entry-Level (Staff) Dam Engineer

Helena, MT · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

... water infrastructure. * Perform inspections of dams and hydraulic structures. * Collect data and ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J ...

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Entry Level Water Rights Attorney information

What does an entry level water rights attorney do?

An entry level water rights attorney assists clients with legal issues related to the use and allocation of water resources. This can involve researching water laws, helping prepare and file water rights applications, reviewing compliance with state and federal regulations, and representing clients in administrative hearings or court cases. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys, supporting litigation or transactional work involving water rights for individuals, businesses, or government entities. This role often requires strong research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a basic understanding of environmental and property law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level water rights attorney?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Rights Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a solid understanding of water law, property rights, and environmental regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), drafting legal documents, and knowledge of regulatory compliance systems are essential. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation abilities, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are vital for successfully advising clients, navigating complex legal frameworks, and advocating in administrative or court proceedings involving water rights.

What types of projects and clients do entry level water rights attorneys typically work with?

Entry level water rights attorneys often assist with a variety of projects, including water rights permitting, transactional due diligence, and regulatory compliance matters. Their clients may range from agricultural producers and municipalities to industrial businesses and private landowners. Attorneys in this role frequently collaborate with seasoned lawyers, hydrologists, and government agencies to research water law issues, draft legal documents, and help resolve disputes. This diversity of projects offers valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in both legal and technical aspects of water rights law.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Rights Attorney vs Junior Water Rights Attorney?

AspectEntry Level Water Rights AttorneyJunior Water Rights Attorney
Required CredentialsLaw degree, passing the bar, basic water law knowledgeLaw degree, passing the bar, similar water law knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, environmental organizationsLaw firms, government agencies, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry point for water law careersOften used interchangeably with entry level roles

Both roles typically require a law degree and bar admission, working in similar environments within water law. The term "Junior Water Rights Attorney" is often used interchangeably with "Entry Level Water Rights Attorney," referring to early-career positions focused on water rights legal issues.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana?

For Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana are:

Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Rights Attorney job openings in Montana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Water Conservation Specialist2

Hybrid

State of Montana
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about State of Montanaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

State Of Montana rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Make Lewistown, Montana, your next great move. 

Located in the heart of the Judith Basin and surrounded by five mountain ranges, Lewistown is a welcoming small community with historic character, western heritage, and the kind of neighborly connection that makes it easy to feel at home. Its historic downtown, local restaurants and shops, community events, quality schools, and wide-open surroundings offer a relaxed pace of life without losing the essentials of a vibrant community. 

Outdoor adventure is always close by, from fishing Big Spring Creek to hiking, biking, hunting, and exploring Central Montana's public lands and scenic landscapes. Lewistown also offers the best of both worlds: commercial airports and larger shopping destinations are approximately two hours away in multiple directions, making weekend travel, major purchases, and city amenities accessible while allowing residents to return home to the space, quiet, and connection of small-town Montana. 

The selected candidate may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. 

Job Overview 

As a Water Conservation Specialist 2, you'll help protect and manage Montana's water resources through a mix of fieldwork, technical analysis, and public service. In this role, you'll evaluate water right applications, investigate water use issues, collect and interpret water data, and help ensure water is managed fairly and responsibly across the state.

Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division

  • Valuing People

  • Stewardship

  • Service

  • Credibility

  • Engagement


What You'll Do 

As a Water Conservation Specialist 2, you are on the front lines of how Montanans use, share, and protect water. You will:

  • Evaluate new and existing water rights, analyze water availability, and make defensible decisions and recommendations on applications and changes

  • Conduct field investigations to measure flows, confirm points of diversion and places of use, and verify that projects are built and operated as permitted

  • Apply Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) analysis to proposed water uses and document potential environmental impacts

  • Research and interpret complex water records, maps, aerial photos, decrees, and technical data to answer questions and resolve issues.

  • Investigate water use complaints, help defuse conflicts between water users and recommend solutions or enforcement when needed

  • Provide technical information and support to landowners, consultants, attorneys, conservation districts, planning boards, and other partners

  • Present clear technical reports and, at times, testify as an expert witness in contested cases

Every day is different - you might be on a ditch bank measuring flow in the morning and explaining water law to a landowner or attorney that afternoon.

Benefits

Live and work in Lewistown, MT, which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking. 

Additional benefits include:

  • Work/life balance. 

  • Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.

  • Longevity pay with continued state 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 457(b) Plan).

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

  • Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.

  • Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, natural sciences, or a related field.

  • At least three years of experience in water resources management or a closely related field.
  • Alternate combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

What You Bring 

  • Knowledge of water resource management principles, hydrology, and water measurement practices.

  • Understanding of Montana water law, water rights, and related regulations.
  • Ability to analyze technical information and make sound, defensible decisions.
  • Skill in preparing clear written materials and communicating complex information to a variety of audiences.
  • Experience using computers and software such as databases, spreadsheets, word processing tools, and GIS applications.
  • Ability to build strong working relationships, manage competing priorities, and handle conflict professionally.

How to Apply 

Only online submissions are accepted. Applicants must attach both a cover letter and resume at the time of application to be considered for this position. Failure to attach required documents will result in the application being considered incomplete and not reviewed further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. When attaching documents, mark each as Relevant to ensure they are viewable.

Required Application Materials 

  • Cover Letter - Describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will make you successful in this role.

  • Resume - Include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position.
  • References - Provide contact information for three professional work references, preferably supervisors, including your current supervisor if possible. For each reference, include their name, title, organization, phone number, email address, and a brief description of your working relationship (e.g., position held and length of time worked together).

Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating 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.

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