Director of the Department of Environmental Quality

Shape the Future of Environmental Stewardship, Energy Development, and Economic Prosperity in North Dakota

The State of North Dakota is seeking a visionary, strategic, and highly respected leader to serve as the next Director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognized environmental agency at a pivotal moment in its history. Following the retirement of the agency's first Director, the next leader will have the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while helping shape the future of environmental stewardship, energy development, and economic prosperity across North Dakota.

As a key member of Governor Kelly Armstrong's leadership team, the Director provides executive leadership for an agency with a biennial budget of approximately $141.8 million, 175 employees, and responsibility for protecting North Dakota's air, land, and water resources while supporting responsible economic growth and development.

Summary of Work

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all agency operations, programs, personnel, and resources.
• Advise the Governor's Office on environmental, regulatory, and policy matters affecting North Dakota.
• Lead agency planning, budgeting, policy implementation, and performance management initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with legislators, industry leaders, local governments, Tribal Nations, federal agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the agency before legislative committees, public forums, industry organizations, and governmental partners.
• Guide the agency through emerging environmental, regulatory, operational, and economic challenges.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure environmental programs are administered efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with state and federal law.

Minimum Qualifications

As required by North Dakota law, candidates must possess:

• A Bachelor of Science degree or higher in a natural or physical science field from an accredited institution, or registration as a Professional Engineer (PE).
• At least seven years of environmental health or relevant engineering experience.
• At least three years of administrative or management leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a proven executive leader who demonstrates:

• Strategic leadership and executive presence.
• Strong political and regulatory acumen.
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism.
• Experience leading organizational change and driving results.
• The ability to balance environmental stewardship, regulatory responsibilities, and economic growth.

Candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds including environmental regulation, engineering, natural resources, energy, public administration, consulting, regulatory affairs, or related fields.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Applications will only be accepted online through the ND Careers website. Application materials must be received by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on the closing date. In addition to completing the online application, applicants should upload the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references

Your resume should include information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted. If the Department’s Human Resource Division is unable to determine that you meet the minimum qualifications, credit will not be given.

The Department of Environmental Quality does not offer or provide sponsorships. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Applicants who experience technical difficulties during the application process should contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701) 328-3290. For more information or if you need an accommodation, please contact Michelle Blakeman, Talent Acquisition Manager at mblakeman@nd.gov.

Agency Specific

Why Join Team ND?

This position offers a unique opportunity to:

• Influence statewide environmental policy and strategy.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Governor.
• Lead one of North Dakota's most visible public service organizations.
• Work alongside dedicated professionals committed to public service.
• Help shape the future of North Dakota's environment, economy, and quality of life.

Lead with integrity. Govern with purpose. Shape the future of North Dakota.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.