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Lead the future of water in Big Sky Country!

Montana's rivers, lakes, and aquifers power our farms and ranches, communities, industry, and world-class outdoor recreation. The Water Resources Division Administrator sits at the center of how this resource is managed, protected, and shared for current and future generations.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) is recruiting a visionary and strategic executive to lead the Water Resources Division (WRD), a team of approximately 150 professionals with a biennial budget exceeding 60 million dollars. This is a rare opportunity to shape statewide water policy and operations in one of the nation's most iconic landscapes.

Executive leadership with statewide impact

The Water Resources Division Administrator:

• Provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and management for WRD, setting division goals, priorities, and performance expectations in coordination with DNRC leadership.

• Leads a highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable team through change, evolving demands, and complex issues with significant public and stakeholder interest.

• Oversees implementation and enforcement of the Montana Water Use Act and administration of water rights statewide.

• Leads programs in water rights administration and adjudication, groundwater and surface water management, conflict resolution, dam safety, floodplain management, and state water projects (22 dams and approximately 250 miles of irrigation canals).

• Directs division budgeting and finance, including formulating, presenting, and defending the division budget and aligning staffing and resources with priorities.

• Advises the DNRC Director, Deputy Director, and Governor's Office on statewide water resource policy, priorities, and emerging issues.

• Represents the Department and the State of Montana before legislative committees, federal agencies, tribes, local governments, and diverse stakeholder groups.

If you are energized by leading people, navigating complexity, and serving the public at the intersection of science, law and policy, this role offers both challenge and the chance to make a statewide impact.

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:

• Knowledge of water law, hydrology, and water policy in the Western U.S. is desirable; however, success in this role depends more on strong leadership, prioritization, and the ability to direct subject-matter experts.

• Demonstrated success leading complex, multidisciplinary teams and managing change in highvisibility environments.

• Skill in strategic planning, policy development, and translating legislative intent into practical programs and procedures.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with 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 technical topics.

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.

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.