Compliance Specialist 3 - 58600

Job Description - Compliance Specialist 3 - 58600 (26140907)Position Title: Compliance Specialist 3 - 58600 - (26140907)Guide Montana's Water Decisions – And Lead Statewide Program QualityWhat if your next role helped safeguard one of Montana's most critical natural resources: water? What if your role influenced how water rights in Montana are reviewed, recorded, and communicated—helping ensure fair, consistent, and legally sound decisions that affect communities, agriculture, industry, and streams across the state? As the Compliance Specialist 3 with DNRC's Water Rights Bureau in Helena, you will provide statewide direction, quality control, and technical expertise for Montana's water rights program, working closely with regional offices, the Water Court, and program leadership to keep our water rights system accurate, efficient, and trusted.For the detail‐driven, critically‐thinking natural resources professional who enjoys solving complex policy and technical questions, designing training and guidance, and helping others do their best work, this position offers the opportunity to influence program standards, mentor staff across the state, and build tools and processes that will guide water rights administration in Montana for years to come.Core Values of DNRC Water Resources DivisionPeopleStewardshipServiceCredibilityEngagementWhat you will doLead statewide quality control and assurance for water right permitting, changes, and adjudication work products, ensuring they comply with statute, rule, court orders, and policy.Provide advanced technical assistance on water rights, GIS mapping, and the water right database to regional staff, supervisors, managers, and external stakeholders.Develop, recommend, and deliver training, update guidance manuals, and ensure consistent application of procedures across all regional offices.Monitor work progress, set performance measures, and evaluate program work quality, identifying and resolving issues that impact program goals.Participate on the water rights database team to identify programming issues, recommend design changes, and support testing and roll‐out of system updates.Lead or support public information efforts, including presentations, outreach, and informational materials to improve understanding of water rights requirements.Take on special projects such as assisting with budgeting, planning, and representing the program at conferences and meetings.This position does not directly supervise staff, but you will provide significant guidance, mentoring, and oversight of work quality statewide.This position is eligible for a $1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 2026.This position has the flexibility to be located in various locations within the state of Montana. Locations will be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis.Live and work in Helena, Montana, 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.BenefitsGenerous 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.Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.Minimum QualificationsAlternative combinations of the education and experience listed below will be considered on a case‐by‐case basis.Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related field.2+ years' experience in water resource administration, including water rights, teaching or training, database structure and analysis, program evaluation, and policy development.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesIf you are the right person for this opportunity, you will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:Knowledge of (or ability to learn in a reasonable amount of time)Montana water rights and water law, including the Montana Water Use Act, adjudication, and related rules and court orders.Natural resource management and public program administration, especially water rights programs and standards.Water rights tools and methods, including examination procedures, comparison standards, GIS, and the water rights database.Common Montana water uses (domestic, irrigation, stock, mining, municipal, commercial, hydropower) and how they appear in claims and permits.Skills inStrong writing and editing for policies, procedures, reports, and training materials.Comfort working with databases, program data applications, and standard office software.Ability to read and interpret maps, plats, aerial photos, and use GIS tools.Clear communication of complex technical and legal concepts to diverse audiences.Problem‐solving skills for identifying issues, analyzing information, and developing practical solutions.Ability to:Communicate clearly in writing and verbally about complex water rights issues.Build effective working relationships with staff, managers, stakeholders, and the public.Work independently, manage time well, and meet deadlines within program goals.Organize information and activities for efficient, high‐quality work.Train, mentor, and guide others to improve consistency and quality in water rights work.Physical and Mental RequirementsWork is primarily office‐based with extensive computer, data, and document work.Some travel is required to regional offices, community meetings, field investigations, and Water Court proceedings across Montana.The position requires analytical thinking, and independent decision‐making.Occasional public speaking, testimony delivery, and facilitation of discussions with diverse stakeholders and legal representatives is required.How to ApplyOnly online submissions are accepted. Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and references 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 MaterialsCover 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).Note: If you advance to the reference check stage of the hiring process, you will be contacted prior to any references being reached.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$76,003.20 - 76,003.20 YearlyTelework EligibilityTelework Eligible (Full‐time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)Benefits Package EligibilityHealth Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement PlanNumber of Openings1Employee StatusRegular Schedule: Full‐TimeJob TypeStandardShiftDay JobTravelYes, 5% of the TimePrimary LocationHelenaOther LocationsBillings, Missoula, Miles City, Kalispell, Lewistown, Glasgow, Butte, Bozeman, Great FallsPosting DateApr 1, 2026, 9:06:30 PMClosing DateMay 1, 2026, 5:59:00 AMContact InformationContact Name: Lysandra Badilla | Contact Email: Lysandra.Badilla@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-438-0909The 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr