Wildlife Engagement Coordinator

State of Montana•Helena, MT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wildlife Engagement Coordinator will work statewide to increase public awareness, appreciation, and support for nongame wildlife identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Montana’s 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The primary goals are to help implement key conservation actions identified in the SWAP by strengthening public awareness, support, and access to resilient nongame wildlife populations. This position will report to the Nongame Wildlife Bureau Chief and is a core member of the nongame wildlife program. The coordinator will engage regional and statewide nongame wildlife biologists, area wildlife biologists, and regional wildlife managers to exchange ideas on strategies to engage the public and elevate nongame wildlife. The coordinator will collaborate closely with staff across multiple divisions, including Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, and Communication & Education to develop new outreach messaging, enhance educational materials and programs, and expand wildlife viewing opportunities. The coordinator will also work with state, federal, local, community, nonprofit, and business partners to promote wildlife viewing activities aligned with agency priorities. Additional responsibilities include exploring new partnerships, visiting each region to assess needs and opportunities, and identifying information‑technology requirements to support future efforts. Collaboration is a core function of this position. The incumbent must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and identify common goals shared across divisions. The coordinator will represent the nongame wildlife program on FWP cross-divisional working groups and engage external partners and partner groups.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, biological science, range science, education, public administration, or parks & recreation management.
1 or more years of job-related experience.
Must reside in Montana (or move to Montana) to accept this position.
Must be comfortable outdoors.
Must be comfortable in meetings and public settings facilitating public processes.
Must be capable of making final decisions on areas of responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Experience traveling statewide.
Experience with overnight travel.
Experience walking and hiking over rough terrain, carrying a pack, and engaging in other outdoor activities.
Experience with field activities that require work in inclement weather, hiking, riding horses, OHV, or snowmobiles.
Experience with out-of-state travel.
Experience with visual media projectors, cameras, video equipment, and printed materials.
Experience conducting public meetings with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and identify common goals shared across divisions.

Responsibilities

Consult with wildlife and fisheries biologists to identify and support the development of new wildlife viewing areas and opportunities to increase public access.
Develop programmatic guidance for how to develop new wildlife viewing projects and facilitate the production of signage that conveys information on Species and Habitats of Greatest Conservation Need at viewing sites.
Develop and maintain a wildlife viewing webpage.
Work closely with fish and wildlife biologists to identify projects and species well suited for citizen‑science participation.
Work with partners, including contractors, to design and implement citizen science projects.
Organize and deliver volunteer trainings that cover survey methodologies and data‑recording protocols, coordinating data entry, and producing annual reports of associated citizen‑science projects.
Translate outreach and education actions identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan and collaborate with Communication and Education staff to identify target audiences and develop outreach campaigns that encourage public actions that improve conservation outcomes for Species and Habitats of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN and HGCN).
Represent the agency in the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group, participating in monthly calls and attending the biennial academy.
Collaborate with Communication and Education staff to integrate information on the natural history and conservation needs of SGCN into existing educational programming.
Provide technical expertise for education staff to develop new curriculum focused on nongame fish, wildlife and their habitats.
Work with Parks and Outdoor Recreation to update, enhance, or add interpretive signage and exhibits that feature SGCN and HGCN.
Work with fish and wildlife biologists to ensure content is scientifically accurate.
Assist with surveys for nongame wildlife as needed.
Maintain professional knowledge and participate in meetings, training, and other opportunities to improve understanding of the natural history of nongame wildlife, their habitat, and other related ecological topics.
Assist the Nongame Bureau Chief with additional tasks as assigned to support FWP’s Mission.