Reclamation Specialist

We are looking for a Reclamation Specialist to join our Field Services and Technology Team in the Mining Bureau. As a Reclamation Specialist with the Department of Environmental Quality, you will play a critical role in reclaiming inactive mine sites and implementing regulatory oversight on active mining and exploration activities. This role combines fieldwork, regulatory expertise, and stakeholder collaboration to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana.

What You Will Do

Core Responsibility 1: State-Administered Reclamation

You will develop workflows and frameworks for inventorying, inspecting, and contracting State-Administered reclamation at inactive mine and exploration sites across Montana. This will include contributing to bond forfeiture processes and overseeing contracted reclamation activities to reclaim land impacted by mining and exploration operations.

Core Responsibility 2: Small Miner Exclusion and Exploration Licensing

You will review and process applications to the Small Miner Exclusion Statement and Exploration Licensing programs under the Montana Metal Mine Reclamation Act (MMRA). Administration of these programs will include:

• Assessing the scientific and regulatory implications of proposed mining, exploration, and reclamation plans.
• Determining application completeness and compliance with the MMRA.
• Documenting environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and disclosing those impacts through the Montana Environmental Policy Act.
• Authorizing or licensing mining, exploration, and reclamation activities.
• Assessing compliance with the MMRA by conducting inspections and generating inspection reports.
• Implementing escalation and enforcement policies by issuing violation letters, developing enforcement request packages, and working with operators to resolve violations.

Functions Across Both Core Responsibilities

• Analyze soils, vegetation, land use, and land management.
• Identify alternative measures or mitigation strategies to protect resources.
• Calculate reclamation bonds.
• Evaluate ongoing reclamation by assessing compliance with standards for revegetation.
• Review and process bond release applications.
• Travel on multi-day inspection trips throughout the State of Montana.
• Walk and drive in extreme weather conditions, over rough and uneven terrain, and on active mine and exploration areas with equipment hazards.

Who You Will Work With

Collaboration will be critical in this role. You will engage regularly with small miners, exploration licensees, consultants, contractors, landowners, county governments, federal agencies, and other DEQ programs. Strong communication skills and the ability to work across disciplines are essential.

Why Join Montana DEQ

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 of leadership, accountability, customer service, efficiency, excellence, and decision making are fundamental to our work. Come be a part of the Department of Environmental Quality!

Career growth: The Reclamation Specialist position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.

Work flexibility: A Remote Worker Agreement including up to three (3) days of teleworking may be available upon supervisor's approval.

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/.

Minimum 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.