Water Quality Monitoring Technician

Overview

Water Quality Monitoring Technician - temporary position for the 2026 field season (May through October) in the Water Quality Planning Bureau. Responsible for pre-field activities, field sampling, and non-field work such as data entry and sample transport. Extensive travel across Montana with overnight stays; driving to sampling sites required. Training provided; knowledge of surface water sampling methods is a plus.

• Assist with calibration and maintenance of monitoring devices, inventory and requisition of field season equipment.
• Perform field sampling procedures including chemical, biological, and physical sampling; collect nutrients, metals, sediment,
  
  E. coli, algae, and macroinvertebrates; monitor flow and wetlands conditions.
• Handle non-field tasks such as data entry, transporting samples, and procuring supplies.
• Travel across Montana to sampling sites, sometimes camping in remote areas.
• Support preparation for beneficial use impairment determinations and reporting to EPA.

• Two years of science-focused higher education; or equivalent combinations of education and experience.
• One field season of relevant environmental monitoring experience (preferred).
• Current valid Driver’s License and clean driving record per State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy.
• Ability to hike and carry up to 40 lbs of sampling equipment in wilderness settings.

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 and resume, must be submitted through the State of Montana Careers site ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) by the closing date.

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 hire.

Salary: $21.50 per hour;
Benefits include Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan.

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status:
Temporary

Schedule:

Variable

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day

Travel:
Yes, 75% of the time

Primary

Location:

Helena

Posting Date:
Jan 21, 2026

Closing Date:
Feb 16, 2026

Contact:
Tiffany Daley | Tiffany.

Daley |

The State of Montana has a decentralized HR system. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact the agency HR staff. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, or other factors not related to merit and qualifications.