Range Conservation Scientist 1 - Land Use Specialist

State of Montana•Miles City, MT

14d

About The Position

The Eastern Land Office–Land Use Specialist has operational responsibility for assigned departmental programs and field activities, property, and personnel within the defined geographic region of the Eastern Land Office. The position performs diverse scientific and professional work in the design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of assigned natural resource management programs. The role manages state trust lands to support responsible resource use and department goals, while working with lessees, agencies, and the public.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in a natural resource management field; preferred fields include Range Management, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Ag Business, or Agriculture.
Two years of progressively responsible administrative and professional experience.
Knowledge of water law, hydrology, water policy, and federal and state programs affecting Montana’s water resources.
Knowledge of organization and management principles, including leading complex, multidisciplinary programs and teams.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance procedures, enforcement practices, and administrative hearing processes.
Skills in strategic planning, policy development, and translating legislative intent into practical programs and procedures.
Ability to explain complex technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.
Skills in public speaking, stakeholder facilitation, and negotiation.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Pesticide Applicator’s License for general- and restricted-use agricultural pesticides.
Ability to complete Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) training.
Ability to complete all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety training.
Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and watercraft, as assigned.
Ability to work safely and independently in rough terrain and all weather conditions.
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

Manage state trust lands to support responsible resource use and meet department goals.
Evaluate grazing and agricultural practices, provide guidance to lessees, and monitor land conditions.
Administer leases and review proposed land uses, improvements, easements, and access requests.
Conduct site inspections and environmental reviews to assess impacts and ensure compliance with laws, policies, and agreements.
Monitor mineral development, reclamation, and noxious weed management activities.
Investigate violations, recommend corrective actions, and help resolve land-use conflicts.
Prepare reports and agreements, maintain records, and collaborate with lessees, agencies, and the public.
Support GIS tools, wildfire response, and other assigned activities.
Design, implement, coordinate, and evaluate assigned natural resource management programs within the office.

Benefits

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