Wildlife Habitat Conservation Steward

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 November 29th, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

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.

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/

Joblocation\:

Kalispell isinapremier realestatemarket,andapplicants areencouraged to research thelocal area before applying.

Kalispell is a dynamiccommunitylocated within a thirty-minutedrive of Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, Glacier National Park, several National andState forests andparks, andtheBob Marshall Wilderness area.Kalispell isthe retail,professional, medical, andgovernmental center oftheFlathead Valley serving approximately150,000+people in northwestMontana.The office for this position is locatedwithin theRegional Headquarters building,locatedat490N.Meridian Rd.,Kalispell.The regionalheadquarters isa well-maintainedoffice building which housesall the regional divisions including Parks, Fisheries, Enforcement, Wildlife, Communicationand Education, Technology Services, and Administration.

Job Duties\:

The Wildlife Stewardship Technician works within Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' (FWP) Wildlife Mitigation Program in Region 1.The program preserves, enhances, restores, and protects fish and wildlife habitats impacted bythe constructionand operation of Libby and Hungry Horse Dams.A major componentis the long-term stewardship of more than 400,000 acres of department-heldconservation easements on private lands throughout northwest Montana, providing valuable wildlife habitat and year-round public recreational access.

TheTechnician supports conservation easement monitoring, landowner andstakeholder engagement, public access management, and coordination of regional stewardship activities. Working with private landowners, FWP staff,conservation partners, andrecreational users,the Technician ensures FWP andlandowners fulfill easement obligations and comply with Multi-Resource Management Plans, advance habitat conservation objectives, and maintain positive relationships.

A primary responsibility is coordinating easement monitoring and maintaining a consistent field presence on easement properties.The Technician must demonstrate the ability to understand, interpret, and apply conservation easement agreements and management plans when evaluating land use activities and departmental responsibilities.They are responsible formonitoring habitat conditions, public access, and permitted land uses such as timber operations, livestock grazing, and infrastructuredevelopment. Additional duties include conducting property visits, documenting observations, identifying potential compliance concerns, maintaining accurate records, and coordinating appropriate follow-up with supervisors, thewildlife mitigation team, and other FWP personnel.

TheTechnician serves asa key point of contact for landowners andstakeholders, maintaining regular communication,organizing annualliaisonmeetings, responding to concerns, andworking withFWP staff and partners to develop practical solutions. Proactive outreach, professionalism, and timely follow-through are essential to maintaining landowner trust and successful partnerships.

The position helps coordinate public recreationalaccess on easement properties by monitoring use and access conditions, communicating rules,identifyingconflicts, andworking withregional Access, Enforcement, Wildlife, and Communication and Education staff on signage, outreach, and other responses. This work supports responsible recreation while respecting conservation objectives and landowner rights.

Working with the supervisor, the Technician plans and prioritizes field activities, landowner outreach, and program projects. Responsibilities include recordkeeping, data management, mapping, reporting, meeting coordination, and tracking outstanding concerns through resolution. The Technician independently manages competing priorities, communicatesprogress, and demonstratesinitiative while operating within established policies and supervisory direction. As needed, the position assists with other Wildlife Mitigation Program activities, including biological fieldwork and data collection. The Technician willcollect, enter, record, manage andsummarize data using standard software andassist in thepreparation and review of draft reports.

Applicants should understand, or demonstrate the ability to learn, conservation easement principles, land management practices,andapplicable naturalresources andpublic access regulations. Knowledge of Montana's hunting heritage, recreationalopportunities, agriculture, and working lands is advantageous. Strong interpersonal, written communication, and customerserviceskills are essential,including the ability to work tactfully with landowners, ranchers, farmers, biologists, game wardens, hunters, and other recreational users.TheTechnician must communicate complex requirements clearly, workindependently in officeandremote fieldsettings, navigate usingmapsandGPS,recognize safetyrisks,andmaintain accurate documentation. A professional, adaptable, and solutions-orientedapproach is expected.

Physical and Environmental Demands\:

This position involves a combination of office-based administrative work, field activities, and frequent interaction withFWP staff and team members, private landowners, agency personnel, and members of the public. The position requires stronginterpersonal and problem-solvingskills tonavigate situations involving multiple stakeholders, competing interests, and complex land management considerations.TheTechnician must be able to communicateeffectively, address concerns professionally,and work collaboratively to identify practical solutions.

Field activities may require travel throughout northwest Montana, including remote locations with limited communication services. Work may involve hiking over uneven terrain, navigating private and public lands, operating four-wheel-drive vehicles, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. The Technician must be capable of independently planning and completing field assignments while exercising sound judgment regarding personal safety, landowner concerns, environmental conditions, and established department procedures.

Minimum Qualifications\:

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of two years of college work towards a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, biology, or a closely related field and related work experience. Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

May be required to acquire and maintain certification in the capture and handling of wildlife.

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.