Biologist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

12h

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Biologist. This is a Biologist 3 position in the Resources Section of the Environmental Services Bureau. The position is commonly referred to as State-wide or District Biologist and is responsible for a large geographical area up to and including the entire state. The position is responsible for conducting in-depth independent biological analyses and technical review to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with MDT’s transportation program. This requires preparation of scientifically and legally defensible reports and summary analyses to document findings. This position serves as the Department’s authority on all natural resource issues including natural resource management, evaluation, impact analysis, mitigation, permit applications, and regulatory compliance related to planning processes and all preconstruction, construction and maintenance projects and activities. The position serves as a liaison and negotiator between regulatory agencies and MDT bureaus and involves highly complex, controversial, and precedent-setting environmental issues. The position also serves as liaison to non-governmental organizations and citizens groups with respect.
For a full job description, please contact HR Generalist, Sarah Peterson at [email protected]
Benefits of working for the Montana Department of Transportation and the State of Montana include:
Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Benefits apply on first day of employment
Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Botany, Wildlife/Fisheries Sciences, Ecology, or a related natural resources field is required.
• This position requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience with natural resources; preferably with a natural resource professional firm, organization or agency/department.
• Knowledge of the theories, concepts, and principles of environmental resource management; conservation biology (stream, wetland, fisheries, wildlife), transportation ecology, plant and animal taxonomy, hydrology, soils, groundwater discharge/recharge, ecology, botany, research methods and techniques, scientific documentation
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of highway construction, engineering and design
• Knowledge of state, federal and tribal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, orders, and agreements
• Skilled in remaining objective in controversial social and politically sensitive situations; effectively determining impacts by balancing engineering and scientific theories and practices within regulatory requirements; being flexible while coordinating a large number of projects and changing priorities simultaneously
• Skilled in preparing timely, concise professional correspondence and reports

Nice To Haves

• Basic knowledge of engineering principles and civil engineering practices is beneficial, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conducting in-depth independent biological analyses and technical review to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with MDT’s transportation program
• Preparation of scientifically and legally defensible reports and summary analyses to document findings
• Serve as the Department’s authority on all natural resource issues including natural resource management, evaluation, impact analysis, mitigation, permit applications, and regulatory compliance related to planning processes and all preconstruction, construction and maintenance projects and activities
• Serve as a liaison and negotiator between regulatory agencies and MDT bureaus
• Serve as liaison to non-governmental organizations and citizens groups

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level