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 within the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division. 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 with partners, cooperators, and the public. The incumbent exercises independent judgment to balance resource protection, revenue generation, and public expectations. The role directs Unit priorities and operations, supports employee performance and development, and facilitates problem solving and conflict resolution. It also oversees land-use authorizations, compliance with natural-resource laws and standards, and budgets for projects, personnel services, equipment, and facilities. The Division values a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment and is accountable to the people of Montana and its trust beneficiaries. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and hold a valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

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’s mission, programs, administrative processes, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of land-use authorization processes, including leases, licenses, permits, agreements, memorandums of understanding, and enforcement actions.
Skills in leading, supervising, coaching, evaluating, recognizing, and developing professional and technical staff.
Skills in developing and implementing operational plans, priorities, policies, procedures, and budget objectives.
Ability to analyze complex natural-resource, land-use, operational, and regulatory issues and make 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 set Unit activities and priorities.
Improve Unit operations and provide timely, accurate information and direction to personnel.
Conduct performance appraisals and provide guidance using DNRC performance guidelines and career development plans.
Facilitate problem solving and conflict resolution at the NWLO and Unit levels, working with affected parties to develop solutions.
Manage Unit personnel, including planning, initiating or conducting disciplinary actions, coaching, and recognizing meritorious service.
Review or prepare land-use leases, licenses, permits, agreements, and memorandums of understanding.
Provide services to the public and manage natural resources to generate trust revenue in accordance with professional judgment and Department goals.
Monitor compliance with natural-resource laws, rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines; inspect project sites, review reports, solicit feedback, and initiate corrective measures when needed.
Develop and administer program budgets for projects, personnel services contracts, equipment, and building and grounds maintenance.
Represent DNRC with partners, cooperators, and the public.

Benefits

Work/life balance
Generous paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, with vacation leave increasing with service
Longevity pay with continued state service
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
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