Program Supervisor - Kalispell Unit Manager

State of Montana•Kalispell, MT

About The Position

The Kalispell Unit Manager provides leadership, vision, and management for all Unit operations. The position implements Forestry and Trust Land programs; supervises permanent and seasonal staff; manages budgets and contracts; administers land-use licenses and leases; and represents the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with partners, cooperators, and the public. The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment to balance resource protection with revenue generation and public expectations. The role establishes Unit priorities, supports staff performance and career development, facilitates problem solving and conflict resolution, and manages personnel matters. It reviews and prepares land-use authorizations and ensures compliance with applicable natural-resource laws, rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines. It also authors and administers program budgets for projects, personnel services contracts, equipment, and building and grounds maintenance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or another natural-resource management field, including ecology, wildlife biology, fire management, recreation management, forest soils, hydrology, or range science.
At least five years of progressively responsible supervisory experience.
Knowledge of natural-resource management principles and practices, including land, water, forest, wildlife, recreation, and fire management.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and permitting requirements related to natural-resource management, state lands, environmental protection, and public trust responsibilities.
Knowledge of DNRC mission, programs, administrative processes, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of land-use authorization processes, including leases, licenses, permits, agreements, memorandums of understanding, and enforcement actions.
Skill in leading, supervising, coaching, evaluating, recognizing, and developing professional and technical staff.
Skill in developing and implementing operational plans, priorities, policies, procedures, and budget objectives.
Skill in analyzing complex natural-resource, land-use, operational, and regulatory issues and making sound, timely decisions.
Ability to provide strategic direction and establish priorities for a complex natural-resource management unit.
Ability to balance natural-resource protection, public interests, legal requirements, and trust-revenue responsibilities.
Ability to exercise independent professional judgment in complex, sensitive, and occasionally controversial situations.
Ability to make effective decisions with incomplete information, competing priorities, and time-sensitive operational demands.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Valid driver's license required, with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership, and structure to Unit personnel and establish activities and priorities to meet DNRC needs.
Identify ways to improve Unit operations and provide timely, accurate information and direction to staff.
Conduct staff performance appraisals, provide situational guidance, and support employee career development.
Facilitate problem solving and conflict resolution at the NWLO and Unit levels, working with affected parties to develop solutions.
Manage Unit personnel, including planning, coaching, recognizing meritorious service, and initiating or conducting disciplinary actions.
Review and prepare land-use leases, licenses, permits, agreements, and memorandums of understanding.
Provide public services and manage natural resources to generate trust revenue in accordance with professional judgment and department objectives.
Monitor Unit compliance with natural-resource laws, rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines, including water and air quality, hazard reduction, and the Endangered Species Act.
Inspect project sites, review reports, solicit feedback, and initiate corrective measures as necessary.
Develop and administer program budgets for projects, personnel services contracts, equipment, and building and grounds maintenance.

Benefits

Work/life balance.
Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, with vacation leave increasing with service.
Longevity pay with continued state service.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus flexible spending accounts.
Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, plus an optional 457(b) Plan.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Career progression and professional development.
State employee discounts.
Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.