Land Management Specialist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

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About The Position

What if your next role lets you spend part of your time around Montana’s rivers, reservoirs, dams and canals, and the rest collaborating with engineers, scientists, lessees, and the public to solve real-world land and water challenges? The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is hiring a Land Management Specialist (Real Property Agent 1) to help steward State Water Project (SWP) lands that support irrigation, agriculture, recreation and rural economies across Montana. Why this role matters You will help manage lands tied to State-owned water storage projects, including 22 dams, more than 250 miles of irrigation canals, and associated lands. Your work directly influences how grazing, agriculture, cabin sites, and recreation occur on project lands, balancing productive use with long-term resource health. You will be part of DNRC’s State Water Projects Bureau, a team that combines field work, technical analysis, and public service to keep Montana’s water infrastructure and lands working for people and the environment. Core Values of DNRC Water Resources Division Value People Stewardship Service Credibility Engagement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, real estate, business, public administration, or a closely related field (e.g. Range Management, Agronomy, Agriculture, Ecology, Land Rehabilitation)
• 2+ years of related work experience in land/resource management or a similar program (additional experience may substitute for some education).
• Knowledge of interdisciplinary natural resource management, applicable laws, departmental policies, and land management principles.
• Skill in public relations, technical writing, conflict resolution, investigation, regulation, program administration, and budgeting.
• Skill in map reading and plan, aerial photo interpretation, GIS and database management, CAD, office equipment, and software applications (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to manage time independently, set priorities, communicate detailed information orally and in writing, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in negotiating, diffusing conflict, and adapting policy to solve land management problems.
• Ability to work independently, often for long hours across remote, rough terrain, handling exposure to diverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions and natural/manmade hazards.
• Work is performed across office and field settings; must be able to travel frequently, including overnight stays in remote areas.
• Field duties include exposure to rugged terrain and extreme weather.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, and driving (up to 15,000 miles/year).
• Must be able to independently assess, respond to management challenges, and sustain performance under fluctuating workloads.
• Ability to lift, carry, and operate equipment in various outdoor conditions is necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in water resources, physical or natural sciences, engineering, surveying, real estate, public speaking and writing is desirable.
• Knowledge of UAV mapping, cadastral surveying, public bidding, and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Land Management Specialist who researches proposed actions, coordinates site inspections, and assesses land and water resource impacts with staff, lessees, stakeholders, and other professionals.
• Be a go-to, customer service–oriented contact for the public, lessees, DNRC staff, and partner agencies, helping them navigate leases, licenses, access, and land use questions.
• Coordinate incoming land management requests, make clear recommendations, and draft or review the reports, contracts, agreements, valuations, and other documents that keep projects moving.
• Clearly communicate applicable state laws, rules, and DNRC policies that guide land and water programs—and help refine procedures and program practices that support progressive, sustainable land management.
• Investigate unauthorized or problematic uses of state lands, initiate corrective actions, and follow up to ensure issues are resolved in line with policy and resource objectives.
• Review, inspect, and make recommendations on improvements, recreational use, access closures, public safety concerns, signage, and other land management actions—and manage projects selected for implementation.
• Manage project land leases by coordinating competitive bidding and renewals, gathering and analyzing data, evaluating operations, preparing supplemental lease agreements, developing noxious weed management plans, and supporting lease fee assessments.
• Coordinate special use permits, easements, and other agreements that allow DNRC operations on other agency or private lands, ensuring responsible, well-documented uses.
• Lead aspects of project land sales and disposals, from lessee-nominated auctions and strategic sales to recommending and recommending and administering disposal of lands no longer supporting the Department and its mission.
• Help implement and maintain fee-title and real property interest inventory and management systems that give DNRC a clear, up-to-date picture of its land holdings and uses.
• Administer and oversee contracted services—from weed and pest control to fencing, surveying, appraisals, and real estate services—ensuring work aligns with DNRC standards and policies.
• Take on special projects, support other Bureau programs, and represent DNRC in meetings and conferences, all while contributing to the long-term conservation and productive use of State Water Project lands.

Benefits

• Work/life balance with flexible schedules.
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state 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 457(b) Plan.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
• Career progression, professional development and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees