Description:We are looking for a Reclamation Specialist to join our team in the Opencut Mining section of the Air, Energy & Mining Division. The Reclamation Specialist is responsible for ensuring the scientific integrity of permit applications; conducting compliance activities to resolve violations; and developing programmatic and regulatory standards and procedures. The Reclamation Specialist must communicate effectively with stakeholders, including operators and their consultants; county and local governments; landowners and the general public; state and federal agencies; and other DEQ sections with overlapping regulatory authority. Responsibilities may include development of programmatic procedures for compliance assistance and data integrity; assessment of regulatory implications and compliance for mining activities; analysis of soils, vegetation, land use, and land management in the administration of the permitting, mining, and reclamation processes; conducting and coordinating detailed reviews of mine permit applications, mining and reclamation activities, data collection, and analyses; developing appropriate standards for revegetation success, reviewing bond release applications and reviewing and evaluating ongoing reclamation; designing alternative measures or mitigation strategies to protect resources; writing environmental assessments; calculating and/or influencing reclamation bond determinations and responding to requests for bond releases: and conducting regular mine inspections and recommending enforcement actions. The reclamation specialist frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary professionals from within the bureau, other agencies, and private parties in evaluating the cumulative effects of mining and reclamation projects, developing appropriate mitigation measures, and developing innovative reclamation plans designed to reclaim mined areas to the pre-mine land uses.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!The Reclamation Specialist positions includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression. This position may be eligible for occasional telework.For positions that are under $78,000 per year: "This position may be eligible for a statutory base salary annual increase of $3,120 effective July 1, 2024."For positions over $78,000 per year: "This position may be eligible for a statutory base salary annual increase of 4% effective July 1, 2024."QualificationsMinimum requirements include:• Bachelor's degree in physical, earth, or life sciences.• Two years of directly related experience.• Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.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.
