Habitat Conservation Lease Specialist

State of Montana • Glasgow, MT

53d

About The Position

The Habitat Specialist is an opportunity to work on large scale habitat conservation of grasslands and sagebrush grasslands in some of the most intact grasslands in the United States. Click here for additional information. The position covers Northeast Montana, consisted of a mix of public and private lands tied to agriculture (farming/ranching). Ability to effectively work with private landowners, sportspersons, state and federal agencies, NGOs, and other members of the public is essential to the job. The position requires travel within the area of responsibility on a weekly basis to meet with landowners and partnering agencies/organizations and to complete site visits during all times of year and at times in adverse weather conditions. In addition to working outdoors, this position requires considerable office work, developing proposals and contracts, and associated information as well as coordinating activities with department staff, landowners, and partners. Problem solving is a necessary skill. The position is located centrally in FWP Region 6, and the successful candidate will work in the Glasgow FWP office, with a potential to work from a home office in Malta. These are small rural towns (<5,000) in north central Montana with basic medical and shopping facilities, while Billings and Great Falls are within a 3 to 4-hour drive. Recreational opportunities abound with abundant public lands, the Missouri River Breaks, Nelson Reservoir and Fort Peck Reservoir located within 60 miles, offering a wide variety of recreating opportunities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.

Requirements

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, range science, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, or a closely related field and related work experience or at least 5 years of work experience that is specifically related to skill sets and abilities needed for these positions.
• Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Help develop and deliver Habitat Conservation Leases (HCLs) in FWP Region 6
• Complete review and approval process for proposed HCLs
• Monitor HCLs and other conservation properties for compliance with agreement terms
• Serve as a point of contact, representing the department when working with other agencies and conservation organizations
• Interact with landowners and answering landowner questions about the program
• Review HCL applications
• Complete site visits of proposed HCLs
• Complete checklist EAs for proposals and conducting required public meetings
• Complete the lease agreement
• Generate project summaries
• Monitor HCLs on a regular basis for compliance
• Oversee completion of projects
• Promote the program to expand landowner interest and constituent support
• Seek opportunities to enhance program delivery or support habitat restoration work related to HCLs
• Compliance monitoring of other FWP conservation properties such as annual compliance checks of conservation easements.

Benefits

• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees