Habitat Specialist

State of Montana•Miles City, MT

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Habitat Specialist is a unique opportunity to work on large scale habitat conservation of grasslands and sagebrush grasslands across Eastern Montana. The position covers large geographical areas consisting of a mix of public and private lands tied to agriculture (farming/ranching). The position requires extensive travel with the area of responsibility to meet with landowners and complete site visits during all times of year and at times in adverse weather conditions. The incumbent must be willing to initiate contact with landowners and partnering agencies and organizations on a daily basis. The incumbent must be willing to spend time away from home or duty station. 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. We are seeking to fill a position to be located in eastern Montana, specifically Miles City. Below is the bio for the stationed location: The Miles City position is located in the Region 7 Headquarters in Miles City, MT. Miles City is in the heart of the “Old West” and is the urban hub for the areas vast ranching and farming communities. The town is approximately 9,000 people and has a friendly, rural, atmosphere. Miles City sits at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers, two prairie rivers that provide irrigation and municipal water, and countless opportunities for floating and fishing recreation. The vast and dynamic grasslands and arid forests that constitute SE Montana provide some of the best hunting for birds, antelope, elk, and mule deer, while the riparian areas of the prairie rivers sustain turkeys and white-tailed deer. Approximately three quarters of region 7 consist of private lands with much of this landscape tied to agricultural (farming/ranching).

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.
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.
Willingness to initiate contact with landowners and partnering agencies and organizations on a daily basis.
Willingness to spend time away from home or duty station.
Ability to work outdoors.
Ability to travel extensively within the area of responsibility.
Ability to complete site visits during all times of year and at times in adverse weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver Habitat Conservation Leases (HCLs).
Complete review and approval process for proposed HCLs.
Monitor HCLs and other conservation properties for compliance with agreement terms.
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.
Perform compliance monitoring of other FWP conservation properties such as annual compliance checks of conservation easements.
Serve as a point of contact, representing the department when working with other agencies and conservation organizations, for promoting program objectives.
Initiate personal contacts and make formal presentations.
Effectively work with private landowners, sportspersons, state and federal agencies, NGO’s, and other members of the public.