Access Program Specialist

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement\:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Resume

Cover Letter

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11\:59 PM Mountain Time on December 6th, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11\:59 PM Mountain Time on December 6th, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site. All cover letters must address and provide examples for how the candidate has taken initiative, exhibited a high level of organizational skill and demonstrated interpersonal skills to communicate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. 

Candidates moving to the interview phase will be asked to complete a writing sample. 

Special Information\:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply. 

You must reside in Montana (or be willing to relocate to Montana) to accept this position. In this position you will be afforded the opportunity to telework, however there will be required weekly in-office day(s) in Helena. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating 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/

Job Overview\:

The Access Program Specialist assists the Access Manager to support, plan, and direct FWP’s access programs like the Block Management Program and Private Land Fishing Access Program. The position supports all aspects of the programs including policies, program requirements, funding sources, budgets, data analysis, and reporting requirements. The position operates within established program guidelines and works closely with internal and external stakeholders including FWP staff, landowners, hunters, anglers and other stakeholders to establish and maintain public access opportunities.

Job Duties\:

Program Support and Implementation (80%)

·Assess programming and stakeholder needs to ensure that access program objectives are met. This may be accomplished by evaluating programs; surveying landowners, hunters, and anglers; and compiling input from regional access staff.

·Work with staff, landowners, hunters, anglers, and community partners to identify access program needs and opportunities.

·Identify, suggest, or implement improvements to programs and services.

·Assist with budget monitoring or development of program documents and approval of program expenditures.

·Review, interpret, and monitor compliance with program guidelines, laws, and regulations. Maintain operating procedures that align with rules and statutes.

·Assist with reviewing agreements and conducting investigations for complaints or suspected program violations of agreements.

·Prepare reports. This includes assisting with compiling data and statistics for biennial reports on hunting and angling access programs.

·Collect, tabulate, summarize and maintain program information, records, and maintenance of program databases (e.g., contract system ticket writing, testing) and integration of online reservation platforms.

·Assist with planning, administration, and implementation of all access programs and processes. This would include coordinating the printing and distribution of access program materials like longevity awards, guides, coupons, permission slips, and program signage templates.

        Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach (20%)

·Maintain positive working relationships with staff and landowners to sustain long-term participation.

·Provide general program information and respond to staff and public inquiries.

·Plan and oversee stakeholder outreach activities. Work with other access staff and the Communication and Education Division to design and implement an outreach campaign for landowners.

·Provide presentations, training, or technical assistance to staff and stakeholders.

·Assist with coordination of activities for the Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)\:

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Parks and Recreation Management, Education, Public Administration or Business Administration and at least 3 years of job-related experience. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The ideal candidate must have\:

- Ability to work independently, seek creative/innovative solutions and demonstrated willingness to solve problems and overcome challenges without day-to-day guidance and direction.

- Ability to prioritize work, be detail oriented and follow-up to ensure that tasks are accomplished, accurate and the appropriate responses are provided.

- Basic knowledge and understanding of Montana’s public access program opportunities on or through private (non-department) lands.

- Knowledge of hunting and fishing heritage and principles, agricultural practices, wildlife conservation, and public access principles (public use rules, and regulations).

- Ability to listen and communicate well across all types of internal and external stakeholders and situations.

- Ability to see the big picture and potential implications of situations/proposals/options, including the nuances of differing points of view. 

- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with honesty, stewardship and striving for excellence.

- Ability to learn and explain department principles and concepts in a simple, clear, and effective way to staff and members of the public.

- Ability to learn and adapt to changing situations and department processes.

- Desire to provide a high level of customer service through all forms of communication.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the 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.