Terrestrial Program Leader

Avista•Noxon, MT

5d•$77,595 - $141,339•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Terrestrial Program Leader to oversee and advance our land-based environmental programs associated with the Clark Fork Project FERC License. This role is responsible for leading a diverse portfolio of recreation, land use, wildlife, and habitat initiatives that support long-term environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. The Terrestrial Program Leader serves as the primary point of contact for all terrestrial matters, managing over 4,000 acres of company lands and more than 40 recreation sites, while ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. This position combines technical expertise with program leadership, requiring independent decision-making, development of work plans and reports, contract oversight, and full accountability for program budgets and outcomes. In addition to program management, this role plays a critical leadership and community-facing function. The Terrestrial Program Leader directly supervises field staff, provides day-to-day direction and mentoring, and coordinates contractor activities to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary projects. The individual leads stakeholder engagement efforts, including technical advisory committees and stakeholder subgroups, and regularly interacts with agencies, Tribes, landowners, and the public. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in both office and field settings. The position requires a significant in-person presence to support field operations, respond to emerging issues, and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from four-year college or university in an applicable field, such as biology, geology, chemistry, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, environmental science, or related field
Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience (for Environmental Scientist II level)
Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience (for Environmental Scientist III level)
Demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of particular field of experience or specialization.
Comfortable in office and field situations representing the company and interacting with a wide variety of utility staff, agency regulators, tribes, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others to achieve objectives.
Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills required.
Proficiency in creating clear, concise, and well-structured technical documentation, including reports, manual, process guides, etc.
Ability to translate complex technical information into easily understandable content for various audiences.
Demonstrated planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes.
Ability to successfully develop and maintain collaborative relationships at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
Computer skills proficiency required including standard office software, GIS or other specialized applications.
Valid Driver's License
Utility knowledge and experience preferred with knowledge of budgeting and business procedures, as well as knowledge of gas/electric utility industry (for Environmental Scientist III level)
Demonstrated experience applying a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of a particular field of specialization in achieving organization compliance (for Environmental Scientist III level)
Capable of reading and interpreting complex regulations and related information (for Environmental Scientist III level)
Demonstrated broad knowledge of multiple environmental disciplines and applies that knowledge in managing environmental programs (for Environmental Scientist III level)
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, is essential (for Environmental Scientist III level)

Nice To Haves

Master’s or other advanced degree strongly preferred. Education may substitute for some experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee and advance land-based environmental programs associated with the Clark Fork Project FERC License.
Lead a diverse portfolio of recreation, land use, wildlife, and habitat initiatives.
Support long-term environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all terrestrial matters.
Manage over 4,000 acres of company lands and more than 40 recreation sites.
Ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
Make independent decisions.
Develop work plans and reports.
Oversee contracts.
Be fully accountable for program budgets and outcomes.
Directly supervise field staff.
Provide day-to-day direction and mentoring to field staff.
Coordinate contractor activities to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
Lead stakeholder engagement efforts, including technical advisory committees and stakeholder subgroups.
Regularly interact with agencies, Tribes, landowners, and the public.
Interpret and apply regulatory requirements.
Problem-solve in both office and field settings.
Support field operations.
Respond to emerging issues.
Maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.