Environmental Project Officer

We are looking for an Environmental Project Officer to join our team in the Waste Management and Remediation Division. The Environmental Project Officer position is crucial to providing agency assistance in project management for the investigation, evaluation, cleanup and implementation of remedies for uncontrolled hazardous substance sites in Montana, primarily working with Colstrip Steam Electric Station's cleanup activities and coal combustion residual licensing, under the appropriate regulatory authority. This position also is essential for the development a new solid waste coal combustion residual (CCR) licensing program, working closely with the EPA, internal and external DEQ stakeholders and elected officials in communities, reviews beneficial use determinations/applications for coal ash reuse, and coordinating with other programs in DEQ on complex intersection of remediation and energy generating facility development.

The position's primary job within the Waste Management Bureau is overseeing the remediation and management of the cleanup activities associated with the Colstrip Coal Ash Ponds. The Department of Environmental Quality is engaged in an enforcement action against Talen Energy (formerly PPL Montana) over groundwater contamination caused by leaking ash ponds at the Colstrip Steam Electric Stations. Therefore, it is important to fill this position as soon as possible.

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!

This position is also tasked with:

• Drafting and roll-out of the soon to be adopted Montana DEQ coal combustion residual (CCR) rules applicable to the Colstrip Steam Electric Station and several other coal-fired power plants in Montana.
• Assisting the bureau chief and solid waste section supervisor in the development and approval by EPA of Montana's CCR permitting program associated with the soon to be adopted CCR rules. This involves project management of a new licensing process and application system, understanding and providing outreach to facilities that may be affected by the new rules, and helping shepherd facilities into the CCR licensing program.

The Environmental Project Officer position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.

Effective February 23, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Bachelor's degree in earth science, physical, biological, environmental, or engineering.

Two years of experience in natural resource processes, remediation, mine waste reclamation or other related hazardous substance investigation and cleanup.

Preferred experience with customer service, public speaking, project management, procurement, contracting and experience in program field.

Current valid Driver's License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy.

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training is required upon hire and Medical Surveillance Program enrollment is recommended.

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 (https://statecareers.mt.gov/) by the closing date of the announcement.