Environmental Scientist 3

Division Overview:

The Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP), administratively attached to the State's Attorney's Office at the Montana Department of Justice, is responsible for recovering damages for natural resources injured by the release of hazardous substances and oil and implementing natural resource restoration with the recovered funds.

The NRDP has 12 full-time employees (currently two attorneys, six scientists, and three administrative/fiscal/contract staff) and was originally created in 1990 to prepare and litigate the State's natural resource damage lawsuit against the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) for injury to natural resources in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin (UCFRB). In addition to the ARCO natural resource damage lawsuit and settlements, the State has also initiated and settled other lawsuits that have resulted in the State receiving additional settlement funds for restoration activities at other sites, including the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex, East Helena Smelter site, the 2011 Yellowstone Oil Spill, Libby Asbestos, and the Bridger Yellowstone River 2015 spill. To learn more, see https://dojmt.gov/nrdp/

Job Overview :

The Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) is responsible for: 1) preparing natural resource damage (NRD) assessments and negotiations/litigation pursuant to the federal and state laws in order to recover damages for injuries to natural resources caused by releases of hazardous substances and oil; ; and 2) developing and implementing natural resource restoration plans, in accordance with the NRD laws and regulations, which guide the expenditure of the natural resource damages recovered in such lawsuits or settlements.

This position is an Environmental Scientist Specialist for the NRDP with its office assignment as the NRDP's office in Helena. The Environmental Scientist position is primarily responsible for conducting natural resource damage assessments and restoration. The Environmental Scientist will spend approximately 50% of their time on assessment and new claims work and 50% of their time on restoration. These percentages may change depending on the time of year (field season, etc.) and the progress of individual assessments and new claims work.

Natural resource damage assessment includes quantification of injuries to natural resources caused by hazardous substance releases. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of fate and transport of environmental contaminants as well as the impacts of hazardous substances and oil on natural resources and familiarity with natural resource damage regulations in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Oil Pollution Act (OPA). Responsibilities include developing assessments, coordinating with co-trustees, stakeholders, and agencies overseeing remediation, as well as supporting NRDP legal staff in developing the natural resource damage claim and negotiating with responsible parties. Preference will be given to candidates that have natural resource damage assessment experience, knowledge of fate and transport of hazardous substances, and/or a working knowledge of CERCLA and OPA regulations.

Restoration involves developing restoration plans and implementing projects in accordance with the final restoration plans. Implementation includes project development, technical oversight of project design and construction, and project monitoring and maintenance. The position is also responsible for public outreach and coordinating with stakeholders, permitting agencies, and project partners (nonprofit partners, local government entities, collaborating state agencies, landowners, etc.).

The position reports to the Environmental Program Manger but may also be assigned work by the Program's Chief Legal Counsel or Program Administrator. A significant responsibility of the position is oversight of certain NRDP contracts with engineers, scientists, subject matter experts, construction contractors, local governments, non-profits and other contractors performing work for the Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

The minimum qualifications for this position are typically acquired by a combination of education and experience as follows:

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

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include but are not limited to an evaluation of the resume and cover letter, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
• Driving History

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application.

Tip: When attaching your resume and cover letter, you must mark the attachment as a "Relevant File".

Your Resume : Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

Your Cover Letter: Please describe how your experience and education will benefit the NRDP in meeting its responsibilities.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé and cover letter will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service .

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify .

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

Closing Date/Time: Aug 1, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Montana Department of Justice

1 (406) 459-3741 Show more