Division Administrator - Conservation and Resource Development

This position will be posted On-going

First Review Date is October 29, 2026

We are seeking a proven executive to serve as the Division Administrator for the Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD).  The Division Administrator provides executive leadership and overall management of the division. The administrator sets strategic direction; oversees statewide programs, budgets, and staff; develops and implements policy; and represents DNRC with the Legislature, executive branch, governmental partners, stakeholders, media, and the public.  This position reports to the DNRC Director and oversees a division of approximately 57 employees.

What We’re Looking For\:

• A track record of leading operations across a large, complex, or geographically distributed organization, including supervising senior leaders.

• Experience presenting budgets, legislation, or policy proposals to elected bodies, governing boards, or oversight agencies, as well as navigating the legislative process.

• A history of successfully managing high-stakes issues to resolution with a high degree of integrity, including issues where stakeholders hold polarized views of what constitutes reasonable use of land and water.

• The ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with staff at every level and with external partners such as elected officials, county commissioners, and tribal leadership.

• Advanced skill in planning, prioritizing, and goal setting, and high proficiency in organizational awareness, conflict management, negotiation, and energizing others.

• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication.

Why Helena, Montana?

Helena is Montana’s capital city and a hub for government, healthcare, and outdoor adventure. It offers a small‑city feel with the amenities of a state capital. Residents enjoy short commutes, a walkable historic downtown, and a strong sense of community.

In Helena and the surrounding area, you will find\:

• Miles of nearby trails for hiking, biking, running, and dog walking.

• Easy access to rivers and lakes for fishing, paddling, boating, and swimming, plus skiing and snow sports within a short drive.

• A relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with four distinct seasons, vibrant local events, and thriving food and beverage scene.

• Montana is known for its wide‑open spaces, public lands, and tight‑knit communities. Helena offers the chance to live in a place people seek out for its landscapes and recreation, while doing work that directly shapes Montana’s future.

Benefits Include\:

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays). Vacation leave increases with years of service.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457b Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Longevity pay with continued state service.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit the following via the State of Montana Careers site\:

• Cover letter describing your interest in this position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.

• Resume

Special requirements\: 

• Fingerprint and background check

• Valid driver's license.  

• Frequent travel is required to attend meetings, conferences, and events as a representative of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combinations of education and experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in natural-resource management, public administration, business administration, finance, economics, environmental policy, or a closely related field.

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in natural-resource program administration, public administration, finance, governmental affairs, infrastructure or resource development, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing staff, complex programs, budgets, policy development, and relationships with governmental and nongovernmental partners.

• Senior-level experience working with elected or appointed officials is preferred.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities KSAs)\:

Knowledge of\:

• Organization and management principles, including leading complex, multi‑disciplinary programs and teams.
• Supervisory principles, personnel management, and organizational leadership.
• Government operations, public administration, and intergovernmental coordination.
• Budgeting, finance, and adapting budgets to changing resource levels.

Skill in\:

• Strategic planning, policy development, and translating legislative intent into practical programs and procedures.
• Explaining complex technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Public speaking, stakeholder facilitation, and negotiation.

Ability to\:

• Represent the Department and the State of Montana effectively and credibly in legislative and public meetings/hearings.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, leadership, legislators, tribes, federal partners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Lead a division through changes and evolving demands.
• Manage sensitive or contentious issues with fairness, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Balance competing demands and priorities under deadlines.
• Analyze complex problems, anticipate obstacles, evaluate options, and make sound, well‑supported decisions in high‑visibility environments.
• Communicate with DNRC leadership, Division leadership, and staff.
• Build cooperative relationships with partners.

Special Information\:  Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.  A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. 

Eligibility to Work\: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce, within three days of hire, documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".  The State of Montana does not sponsor.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After you accept a job offer and complete Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification.

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.