Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Coordinator - (25141310)
At the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), our work impacts all Montanans. Our agency mission is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana – watch it in action here! Whether it’s the water you drink at a restaurant, the air you breathe on a hike, or the energy that lights up your home — we provide environmental oversight, clean-up, and energy resource information to the people and businesses of Montana.
We are actively recruiting for a Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Coordinator for the agency, ensuring consistent implementation of environmental review statutes and rules. MEPA, required for state actions, is similar to its federal counterpart the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The position also supports implementation of the Major Facility Siting Act (MFSA), including application review. The MEPA Coordinator is responsible for managing a variety of contract projects, which includes contract development and administration, negotiations with cooperators, and review and approval of work procedures and results. The position directs and/or coordinates environmental evaluations (e.g., EAs, EISs, etc.); analyzes document drafts, identifies and resolves deficiencies, and ensures technical and legal defensibility; develops solutions to a range of environmental and administrative problems involved with or affected by MEPA regulations; conducts or coordinates public hearings; provides expert consultation and advice to program managers and staff on specific MEPA-related issues; and develops and delivers training programs for department managers and program staff. These duties also require skills in evaluating environmental standards, statutory requirements, and scientific and/or technical documentation, negotiating viable solutions and alternatives to often conflicting administrative, environmental, and regulatory requirements. The position coordinates MFSA and/or MEPA implementation within the Department by analyzing operational needs and developing rule and policy recommendations to meet those needs. Although the Coordinator does not administratively supervise other personnel, the position does provide direct project management oversight to agency staff, persons from other state and federal agencies and contractors involved with various projects. The position also monitors certified projects to ensure compliance with MFSA.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s employees are the heart of our organization and culture. Our wellness committee and mentorship program are employee-led and provide educational events, small interest-based social groups, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally with guidance from a mentor.
Helena is an outdoor recreator’s paradise—home to miles of trails, glistening lakes and winter skiing. Helena’s central location makes it easy to take a day trip to Missoula or Bozeman and it’s within driving distance of two breathtaking national parks. The downtown walking mall features shops, restaurants and breweries with events and live music throughout the year. For more about the Helena experience, visit:
* Bachelor’s degree in physical, earth, social or life sciences
* Two years of directly related experience with MEPA or NEPA.
* Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case by case basis.
Montana DEQ may consider alternative combinations of education and experience on a case-by-case basis.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: $
63,960.00 - 78,000.00 Yearly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings
: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type
: Standard
Shift
: Day Job
Travel
: Yes, 15 % of the Time
Primary Location
: Helena
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees
Posting Date
: Jun 6, 2025, 6:00:00 AM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
: Jun 23, 2025, 5:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Christina Lipetzky | Contact Email: | Contact Phone: 406-444-6717 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr