Opencut Mining Environmental Scientist

Opencut Mining Environmental Scientist

We are looking for two Environmental Scientists to join our team in the Opencut Mining Section of the Air, Energy & Mining Division. The Environmental Scientist is responsible for reviewing permit applications to ensure they are consistent with regulatory requirements, and conducting compliance activities, including inspections, to identify and resolve violations. The Environmental Scientist must communicate effectively with stakeholders, including operators, consultants, county and local governments, landowners, the general public, state and federal agencies, and other DEQ programs with overlapping regulatory authority.

Responsibilities may include development of programmatic procedures; assessment of regulatory compliance; analysis of soils, vegetation, land use, and land management related to permitting, mining, and reclamation processes; conducting and coordinating detailed reviews of mine permit applications, mining and reclamation activities, data collection, and analyses; developing appropriate standards for reclamation success; reviewing and evaluating ongoing reclamation; writing environmental reviews to meet the requirements of the Montana Environmental Policy Act; calculating and reviewing reclamation bond determinations; and conducting regular mine inspections and recommending appropriate enforcement actions.

The Environmental Scientist frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary professionals from within the Mining Bureau, other agencies, and private parties to evaluate the cumulative effects of mining and reclamation projects.

At the Department of Environmental Quality, our ultimate goal is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ employees are the heart of our organization. We value the people and invest in their professional growth, promoting a culture of cross-agency collaboration as we find solutions to the environmental challenges we face. DEQ values – leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making – are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality The Environmental Scientist positions include a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. This position may be eligible for occasional telework.

Minimum Requirements Include

• Bachelor's degree in physical, earth, or life sciences.
• Two years of directly related experience.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

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

In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position.

Applications, including supplemental materials such as cover letter or resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site ) by the closing date of the announcement.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

63, ,800.00 Yearly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 2 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 20 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Environmental Quality Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

: Sep 24, 2025, 6:00:00 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Oct 16, 2025, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Tiffany Daley | Contact Email: | Contact Phone: The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.