Environmental Compliance Inspector

The State of Montana seeks an Environmental Compliance Inspector for its Water Quality Division in Helena, MT. This role involves conducting inspections of facilities under the Montana Water Quality Act, performing analyses, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Responsibilities include responding to complaints, managing enforcement actions, and providing technical assistance. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience.
Environmental Compliance Inspector - (25140458)

We are looking for an Environmental Compliance Inspector to join our team in the Water Quality Division. The position is part of the Compliance, Training, and Technical Assistance section of the

Water Protection Bureau. Environmental Compliance Inspectors help ensure protection of Montana’s environment through the application and knowledge of Montana’s environmental laws and regulations.

Environmental Compliance Inspectors are responsible for conducting inspections of facilities subject to regulations under the Montana Water Quality Act. Facilities are primarily permitted under Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Montana Ground Water Pollution Control System permits. Environmental Compliance Inspectors perform scientific and technical analyses, calculations, assessments, and make determinations essential to the implementation and management of water quality programs in the State of Montana.

The primary responsibilities of the Environmental Compliance Inspector include conducting regulatory inspections at various industrial, commercial, residential, and municipal facilities; making accurate compliance determinations at facilities subject to Montana Water Quality Act regulations and permitting requirements; and composing clear, concise, and legally defensible documents that guide facilities back into compliance. Additional responsibilities include responding to alleged Water Quality Act complaints; initiating and helping manage formal enforcement actions for facilities unable to return to compliance; and participating at trainings to provide regulatory oversight and technical assistance to the Water Protection Bureau’s customer base.

The Environmental Compliance Inspector position is an integrative position that acts as a liaison for the Water Protection Bureau to the public and industry and participates in collaborative efforts with other Department of Environmental Quality’s programs. The Environmental Compliance Inspector positions serve an essential role in supporting the Department of Environmental Quality’s mission and the Water Protection Bureau’s goals and objectives.

At the Department of Environmental Quality, our 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 are leadership, accountability, customer service, communication, disagreement, decision-making, excellence, efficiency, and effectiveness, excellence, and decision making. These values are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality!

The minimum qualifications for this position include:
• Bachelor's degree in a science-based discipline, including those associated with resource protection or management, human health protection, or community planning.
• Two years of job-related experience in environmental resource protection and regulation, or in a related scientific profession.
• Current valid Driver's License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy

The successful candidate will bring the following combination of skills and experience:

Skills
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Public speaking
• Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines
• Strong organizational skills and record keeping capabilities
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking and evidence-based decision making
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities

Experience
• Reviewing, interpreting, and implementing environmental regulations
• Conducting regulatory inspections
• Analyzing and interpreting environmental data
• Composing and reviewing technical documents

Desired skills and experience include work with ArcGIS applications, including Survey123 to develop reports, and work with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) programs.

The Environmental Compliance Inspector position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.

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

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

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.

Telework Eligibility: Position is eligible for partial telework upon approval.

Salary: $61,880 to $75,920

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave and Holidays, and Retirement Plan

Travel: Yes, 20% of the time with the remaining 80% office and administrative responsibilities.

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: $ 61,880.00 - 75,920.00 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: Mar 3, 2025, 1:00:00 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Apr 5, 2025, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name: Tiffany H Fontenot | Contact Email: Tiffany.Fontenot@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 4064444218