Habitat Conservation Lease Specialist

State of Montana

9d•Hybrid

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. The position covers Northeast Montana, consisting of a mix of public and private lands that area largely 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, GIS mapping; as well as coordinating activities with department staff, landowners, and partners. Problem solving and communication are necessary skills. 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 other Region 6 towns following training. These are small rural towns (<5,000) in northern Montana with basic medical and shopping facilities, while Billings and Great Falls are within a 3–4-hour drive. Recreational opportunities abound with abundant public lands, the Missouri River Breaks, Nelson Reservoir and Fort Peck Reservoirs, offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.

Requirements

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.
Ability to effectively work with private landowners, sportspersons, state and federal agencies, NGOs, and other members of the public.
Ability to travel within the area of responsibility on a weekly basis.
Ability to complete site visits during all times of year and at times in adverse weather conditions.
Considerable office work.
Developing proposals and contracts.
GIS mapping.
Coordinating activities with department staff, landowners, and partners.
Problem solving skills.
Communication skills.

Responsibilities

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 answer landowner questions about the program.
Review HCL applications.
Complete site visits of proposed HCLs.
Complete checklist EAs for proposals and conduct 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.