Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.
The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.
Core Values:
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.
Work Unit Overview:
The Forestry and Trust Land Management Divisions plan and implement programs through an extensive network of staff in field offices across the state.
Area and Unit offices are responsible for integrating and implementing programs for both the Forestry and Trust Land Management Divisions. The Forestry Division functions include Fire & Aviation Management, Forestry Assistance, Good Neighbor Authority program, Business Management, and policy, planning and outreach. The Trust Land Management Division administers and manages the state trust timber, surface, and mineral resources for the benefit of the common schools and the other endowed institutions in Montana. Division functions include Agriculture and Grazing Management, Forest Management, Minerals Management, and Real Estate Management.
Position Summary:
This position will be responsible for program administration and advanced professional forestry functions necessary to generate revenue for the Good Neighbor Authority Program, perpetuate natural resource management within the United State Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land base, and apply techniques and methods to meet the Forest Land Management Plan. The revenue from timber sales will be reinvested back into forest restoration projects on the forest. The incumbent will apply theories, concepts, principles, and practices of a wide variety of natural resource disciplines; have understanding of tools and authorities, such as Good Neighbor Authority and Master Stewardship MOU; working knowledge of NEPA and Farm Bill categorical exclusion provisions; strong organizational methods, and effective oral and written communication and public speaking to represent the Department with the general public, environmental groups, other agencies, specialists, the media, cooperators, and others. The incumbent will work with a diverse group of people and coordinate the efforts of others working within the complex federal land management program. This position reports to the Hamilton Unit Manager.
Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.
A. Program Management, Planning and Development - 50%
This position will be responsible for program administration and advanced professional forestry functions necessary to generate revenue for the Good Neighbor Authority program, perpetuate natural resource management within the United State Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land bases, and apply techniques and methods to meet the forest land management objectives.
B. Federal Forest Management Project Implementation and Supervision - 35%
This position will be responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and administration of complex forestry project performed under the Good Neighbor Authority and other authorities that allow States to act on behalf of federal land management agencies. The position will provide leadership, supervision and serve as the Unit technical expert for the activities listed below. Additionally, the position may implement or supervise cross boundary work performed under these authorities.
C. Public Relations - 10%
Provides program and project expertise, and responds to and answers questions of internal and external specialists, other agencies, and the general public regarding the DNRC’s Federal Engagement program and projects. Promotes goals and objectives, fosters awareness of issues affecting forest resources, and delivers information on project outcomes and progress as requested or appropriate.
D. Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
These positions perform a variety of professional forest and trust land management activities as assigned by the Forestry Division Program Manager in support of the DNRC mission and division objectives. This includes representing the department at conferences and meetings, and projects commensurate with department needs and individual qualifications, directing special projects, and attending on-going education and training as directed. The position will also have the opportunity to assist with fire suppression, prescribed fire, and other Forestry Programs as needed.
APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE:
Benefits:
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
Retirement Plans
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here, https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ to learn more and see if you may qualify!
- If you are interested in a complete job description please contact HR at [email protected]
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Forest Management or a related resource management field.
- 4 years of progressively responsible job related professional experience in forest management and 1 year of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of:
- Effective supervisory practices and conflict resolution methods.
- Managing projects including developing and evaluating projects.
- Preparing reports and making recommendations.
- Making oral presentations.
- Providing technical assistance and program information to management, clients or public groups
- Performing financial analyses to determine cost/benefit of project proposals.
- Interpreting and applying state and federal laws, rules and regulations related to natural resource management activities and writing technical reports.
Skills in:
- Forest management principles and practices.
- Equipment and techniques used in forest management projects and operations.
- Forest practices and hazard reduction laws, Administrative Rules, standards, guidelines, policies and procedures related to forest management operations and activities.
- Considerable knowledge of both the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws and rules governing natural resource management.
- Terminology, principles, methods and approaches used in silviculture, ecology, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries biology.
- Specific knowledge of plant taxonomy, habitat typing, timber cruising, log scaling, harvesting systems, data collection and sampling techniques.
- Road design and layout.
- Fire behavior, fire suppression techniques, land surveying and timber appraisal procedures.
- Skill in the use of computer hardware and software related to forest management business operations (word processing, spreadsheets, internet, e-mail and smart devices) and specialized resource management software
Ability to:
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations.
- Coordinate and direct multiple resources to complete work objectives.
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Work well with others and maintain a positive working environment.
Minimum Physical Requirement:
- Vigorous physical activity in all types of weather. The position requires working alone in the field, including winter conditions (using tire chains) and navigating with a map and compass.
- Use and operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management activities and field office operations.
- Operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in an office setting
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"
Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.
