Do you like to work outside? Are you interested in conducting water quality sampling for Montana’s streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands? We are looking for a temporary technician to join our team in the Water Quality Planning Bureau to assist with the 2026 field season from May through October. The Water Quality Monitoring Technician is responsible for assisting pre-field work, such as calibration and maintenance of monitoring devices, inventory and requisition of field season equipment; field work, such as assisting in various chemical, biological and physical sampling procedures; and non-field work efforts such as data entry, transporting samples, and gathering supplies. This position requires extensive travel across the state of Montana to various watersheds with overnight stays, sometimes working and camping in remote areas. Driving and navigating to sampling sites is required. Training on sampling methods will be provided to the successful candidate; however, knowledge of surface water sampling methods is a plus. The successful candidate will collect nutrient, metals, sediment, E.coli, algae, and macroinvertebrate samples as well as monitor flow and the current conditions of wetlands.

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 a temporary position for a seasonal field technician which is needed to complete priority project monitoring for the 2026 field season and will be responsible for collecting data for beneficial use impairment determinations and reporting to EPA. 

Two years of science focused higher education · One field season of relevant environmental monitoring experience · Current valid Driver’s License and clean driving record in accordance with State of Montana Vehicle Use Policy · Ability to hike, carrying up to 40 lbs of sampling equipment while working 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 ( https://statecareers.mt.gov/) by the closing date of the announcement.