Regional Fisheries Manager

State of Montana•Kalispell, MT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), through its employees and citizen commission and board, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations. In support of this mission, the regional fisheries manager provides leadership and strategic direction for all fisheries management, habitat protection, and recreational access programs within FWP Region 1. This position oversees regional fisheries staff and programs to preserve, maintain, and enhance aquatic species and their ecosystems while meeting public expectations for high‑quality recreational fishing opportunities. The manager serves as the primary regional fisheries representative on interagency planning, regulation development, mitigation, and public involvement processes, ensuring that regional work aligns with statewide policies and objectives. This role provides essential leadership by delivering clear, collaborative, and effective communication with stakeholders, the public, partners, and internal staff. The regional fisheries manager also serves as a member of the regional leadership team and reports to the regional supervisor.

Requirements

Master of Science degree in a biological science (such as fisheries, aquatic ecology, or related field) with coursework in limnology and fisheries.
At least 5 years of post‑M.S. professional experience in fisheries, aquatic resources, public land management, or closely related research/management roles.
Experience must include staff supervision, budgeting, program management, public presentations, and decision‑making on complex resource issues.
Advanced knowledge of fisheries biology, ecology, research methods, and population and habitat management principles.
Familiarity with hydrology, river channel processes, limnology, statistical analysis, and scientific report writing.
Experience working with a wide range of aquatic systems (large rivers, small streams, reservoirs, natural lakes, mountain lakes, and prairie streams).
Strong leadership and personnel management skills, including setting goals, developing work plans, supervising staff, and managing performance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non‑technical audiences and to facilitate meetings and manage conflicts.
Proficiency with common office and analytical software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and relevant fisheries data tools.
Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Willingness and ability to work in office and field settings, including in and around water, boats, and electrofishing equipment, sometimes in adverse weather and hazardous conditions.
Ability to work a variable schedule that may include evenings, weekends and overnight travel for meetings and occasional field work.

Nice To Haves

Other combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered (e.g., B.S. with extensive, directly related field and management experience).

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and implement the regional fisheries management program in alignment with statewide objectives and regional priorities.
Develop and adjust management strategies for wild fish populations and stocked fisheries, incorporating scientific data, angler use, and habitat conditions.
Coordinate and approve regional fish stocking plans and management plans for major waterbodies and key species.
Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of regional fisheries research and monitoring projects.
Review and comment on projects, permits, and land use proposals that may affect fish habitat (e.g., dams, diversions, road projects, subdivisions, and instream work proposals).
Work with FWP’s water program to manage instream flow water rights, reservations, and water management plans to protect fisheries.
Identify and advance habitat restoration and enhancement opportunities in streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
Investigate fish kills and coordinate with appropriate state and federal agencies on water quality and pollution issues.
Communicate clearly and effectively while representing FWP fisheries interests in coordination with federal, state, tribal, local, and non‑governmental partners on water, land, and fisheries issues.
Participate in statewide fishing regulation development, including scoping, proposal development, and public involvement processes.
Attend Commission meetings, regional Citizens Advisory Council meetings, and other public forums to present information and recommendations on fisheries issues.
Work with regional Information and Education staff to inform strategic prepare news releases and provide accurate, timely information to media and the public.
Supervise regional fisheries biologists and associated staff; provide direction, mentoring, performance evaluation, and support for professional development.
Develop and manage regional fisheries budgets, work plans, and priorities; ensure compliance with funding requirements and timely completion of federal aid reports.
Contribute to Fisheries Division strategic planning and participate as a member of the Regional Management Team to integrate fisheries priorities with other programs.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and model effective communication, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution.