Maintenance and Preservation Specialist

About the Department

The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing, and improve community infrastructure.

We uphold excellence, integrity, engagement, and innovation by delivering respectful, creative, and accountable service through collaborative, resilient teams. Rooted in a deep love for Montana, we proudly embody its authenticity, independence, and industry as we serve and partner with Montanans.

(You can learn more about us here.) 

About this Position

The Montana Heritage Commission preserves and protects the historic character of Virginia City, Nevada City, and Reeder’s Alley—ensuring these historic landmarks remain safe, functional, and meaningful for visitors.

The Maintenance and Preservation Specialist is a hands-on role centered on maintaining over 200 historic buildings, artifacts, and cultural resources. This position plays a crucial part in the day‑to‑day care, repair, and long‑term preservation of Montana’s most treasured historic sites.

What You’ll Do

You’ll apply a strong blend of technical maintenance skills, craftsmanship, and preservation expertise to keep historic structures and public spaces operating smoothly. This includes\:

Building & Facility Maintenance

• Performing skilled repairs on roofs, windows, foundations, interior/exterior finishes, and structural components.

• Conducting routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and prioritize repair work.

• Supporting general operations in display buildings and visitor areas.

Carpentry, Masonry & Historic Preservation

• Applying advanced carpentry skills to repair, fabricate, and reproduce historic architectural elements.

• Conducting masonry repairs using materials and methods that honor original construction.

• Preserving historic features with careful attention to accuracy and long-term durability.

Infrastructure & Grounds Upkeep

• Maintaining roads, fences, public walkways, and outdoor spaces that support daily visitor use.

• Operating and maintaining equipment such as tractors, backhoes, welders, and power tools.

Safety Support

• Incorporating safety practices and hazard awareness across diverse historic work environments.

This position is located in Virginia City, MT, with occasional travel to Helena, MT.

What are we looking for?

To thrive in this role from day one, you should demonstrate the following qualifying skills\:

• Experience in historic preservation, construction, or facility maintenance

• Proficiency in carpentry both conventional stick-built & timber frame construction , masonry, painting, and restoration work.

• Ability to communicate tactfully with stakeholders, visitors, and vendors

• Creative problem solving skills and a positive, can do approach

• Ability to perform hands on labor, including ladder work, equipment operation, and lifting heavy materials

• Availability for after hours, holiday, and weekend work as needed

If you have a combination of the skills outlined above and a desire to serve Montanans, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply\:

Apply online by submitting your resume or by filling out the “work experience” portion of the application in our recruiting system.

Benefits\:

• Look here to see the additional benefits!  They include\:

  • Work/life balance,

  • Health coverage,

  • Retirement plans,

  • Paid vacation and sick leave and holidays, 

  • And more…

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify.

Other important information to be aware of\:

• Only online applications are accepted.  By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

This agency participates 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, Link to E-Verify Website.

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.