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Water Rights Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.

Opportunity Highlights Shape the Core of DNRC's Water Rights Information System * Take ownership of key databases and systems that power WRIS and other water resources applications, ensuring reliable ...

New

Opportunity Highlights Shape the Core of DNRC's Water Rights Information System * Take ownership of key databases and systems that power WRIS and other water resources applications, ensuring reliable ...

New

Opportunity Highlights Shape the Core of DNRC's Water Rights Information System * Take ownership of key databases and systems that power WRIS and other water resources applications, ensuring reliable ...

New

Opportunity Highlights Shape the Core of DNRC's Water Rights Information System * Take ownership of key databases and systems that power WRIS and other water resources applications, ensuring reliable ...

New

Water Truck Driver

Missoula, MT ยท On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Deliver water to a pit or construction site in a safe and efficient manner. Follow all safety rules ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Water Truck Driver

Missoula, MT ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Deliver water to a pit or construction site in a safe and efficient manner. Follow all safety rules ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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Showing results 1-20

Water Rights information

See Montana salary details

$13

$20

$31

How much do water rights jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for water rights in Montana is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water rights?

Water rights are legal entitlements that allow individuals, organizations, or governments to use a certain amount of water from a specific source, such as a river, stream, or groundwater. These rights determine who can access water, for what purposes (like irrigation, municipal use, or industrial activities), and under what conditions. Water rights can be complex and vary widely by region, often governed by state and local laws. In many places, water rights can be bought, sold, or leased, making them valuable assets. Understanding water rights is essential for anyone involved in agriculture, real estate, or industries that depend on water resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water rights specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Rights Specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, hydrology, or law, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with water allocation regulations. Familiarity with GIS software, water modeling tools, and legal research databases is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for navigating complex regulations, resolving disputes, and ensuring sustainable and legal water resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water rights management?

Professionals in water rights management often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and evolving regulatory frameworks, balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders (including agricultural, municipal, and environmental interests), and resolving disputes over water allocation. The role frequently requires negotiating between parties, interpreting legal documents, and staying current with state and federal water laws. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to analyze hydrological and legal data to support informed decision-making.

What is the difference between Water Rights vs Water Rights Technician?

AspectWater RightsWater Rights Technician
CredentialsLegal, environmental, or water resource certifications; often requires a degree in law, environmental science, or related fieldsTechnical certifications; often requires training in water management, GIS, or surveying
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, government agencies, or water resource departmentsFieldwork, surveying sites, data collection, and analysis
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law firms, environmental consultanciesWater agencies, environmental firms, consulting companies

Water Rights professionals focus on legal and regulatory aspects of water access and usage, while Water Rights Technicians support these efforts through technical data collection and fieldwork. Both roles are essential in water resource management but differ in their focus and required skills.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Water Rights job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,332 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Associate Attorney

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Helena, MT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Tappan Law Firm is a small firm representing numerous clients from individual landowners with single-issue property disputes to large businesses with complex permitting and land-use demands. 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. This position is for an entry to mid-level Associate.
  • Candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice, in good standing, in Montana
  • Candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present complex information to any audience
  • Candidate must have significant interest in water law and property disputes, contracts, and public lands law
  • Candidate must demonstrate a high level of honesty and integrity, recognizing the highly confidential nature of client interactions
  • Candidate must have a history of collaboration and relationship building within and outside of their organization
  • Candidate must be highly organized and detail oriented
  • Candidate must be able to juggle several projects simultaneously and be deadline driven
  • Candidate must demonstrate strong research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Application Process: Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and two references to rctappan@tappanlawfirm.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not hesitate to email or call with any questions.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance