Working at DEQ
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.
If you are interested in a career that champions a healthy environment, click the button to visit the State of Montana Careers website. We look forward to learning how you might fit within the DEQ team!
Contacts
HR Manager
Christina Lipetzky (406) 444-6717
Human Resources Generalist
Tiffany Fontenot (406)444-4218
Human Resources Generalist
Crystal Keleti (406)444-4219
Fax
(406) 444-5330
Current Job Postings
Job Title - click to learn more |
Area |
Pay Range |
Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Superfund Environmental Project Officer (5 positions) | Superfund, AML, and Construction Bureau | $56,680.00 - 75,920.00 Yearly | December 3, 2024 |
| Attorney | Legal Office | $85,446.00 - 103,059.00 Yearly | December 9, 2024 |
| Air Quality Engineering Scientist | Air Quality Bureau | $62,591.00 - 83,675.00 Yearly | December 3, 2025 |
| Senior Drinking Water Scientist | Public Water Supply Bureau | $61,880.00 - 75,920.00 Yearly | Until Filled |
Professional Growth at DEQ
Are you a current student seeking experience in state government? DEQ hires student interns every year to support a variety of environmental work.
Some of the benefits of an internship with DEQ include:
- Getting a head start finding future employment with a stable government entity.
- Understanding whether or not DEQ is a good fit for your future career.
- Having an opportunity to explore the environmental field before completing a degree.
What is a Student Intern?
“Student intern” means a person who has been accepted in or is currently enrolled in an accredited school, college, or university and who is hired directly by an agency in a student intern position.
The term ‘Student Intern’ in state law clarifies that interns are not permanent employees and are not eligible for leave and holiday benefits. It also clarifies that student interns are covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
How to Find a Student Intern Position
Late-Winter or early-Spring are the best time of year for student interns to be on the lookout for open positions in state government. These positions are often posted on the State of Montana Careers website at the button above.
DEQ also accepts letters of interest and resumes from students seeking employment year-round. While we may not always have a student intern position posted, we share all submittals with supervisors across the agency, just in case someone is looking for short-term help. You may find that you would be a great match to assist with ongoing projects or to help build capacity in a particular program.
To indicate your interest in possible intern work:
- Complete a detailed resume
- Draft a cover letter explaining your experience, education, and areas of interest
- Obtain a copy of your current transcripts (unofficial versions are acceptable)
- Submit all materials via email to the Human Resources contacts listed above, on this page
- Make sure you include information about your availability and the best way to contact you
Your materials will be routed to supervisors and you will be contacted if an intern is needed.
Wellness Program
Mentorship Program
In 2022, DEQ launched a voluntary department-wide mentorship program. The DEQ-Wide Mentoring Program is a unique opportunity to further encourage an employee’s professional growth and productivity within a positive and connected work environment. Mentoring Partnerships are outside of the employee’s direct work group with the objective of connecting employees to DEQ’s mission and programs beyond their own work unit. This is a great opportunity for employees to meet people in other programs within DEQ while also having the opportunity to work on their personal career goals. Mentoring is providing perspective on the profession or career direction, and encouraging professional growth with the goal of both professional and personal development. Rather than focusing on hierarchy (connecting junior employees with management), this program is less formal and more embedded in the culture, resulting in more organic connections. Therefore, rather than a coordinator closely managing and overseeing the program, employees will take much of the process into their hands and take charge of their own learning. This results in a deeper sense of autonomy, mastery, and connection for the employees. Mentor/Mentee matches are carefully selected to ensure the program is both beneficial and useful for both.
DEQ at Work
Smith River Algae Study
Brownfields - Ming Theater
Air Quality Program & The Forest Service - Prescribe Burning
Word of Mouth
“Superfund takes me places with some of the worst contamination and restores them to the benefit of the public or environment. I can see impact I make on a daily basis.” Jason Rappe - Federal Superfund Project Manager
“I work for DEQ because I care deeply about the environment and water quality, and I enjoy feeling like I make a difference. The focus on work-life balance and positive group environment are also big selling points.” Melinda Horne - Water Quality Permit Writer
“I'm glad to be part of MT DEQ at a time where the spatial sciences are front and center in providing helpful tools and resources” Chris Kangas - DEQ GIS Analyst
“Working for Montanans at DEQ for the past 29 years protecting the environment and human health has been very rewarding. Preventing pollution and protecting the environment are in everyones best interests; and its great when we all work together.” John Podolinsky - Small Business Ombudsperson