Work Unit Overview:

The Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) at DNRC is responsible for providing technical and financial assistance to local governments, state agencies and private citizens for conservation, development, protection, and management of the state’s natural resources. CARDD is also home to several administrative attachments focused on natural resources issues, including the Western Montana Conservation Commission.In 2023, during the 68th session of the Montana Legislature, Senate Bill 83 was passed into law, effectively combining the Flathead Basin Commission (FBC) and the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) into the Western Montana Conservation Commission.

The purpose of the Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) is to protect the existing high quality of western Montana’s aquatic resources. The WMCC is tasked to monitor the condition of aquatic and natural resources in western Montana, coordinate development of a 5-year monitoring strategy, support the continuation of a comprehensive aquatic invasive species prevention program, enhance collaboration among natural resource partners and agencies, undertake investigations related to water quality and natural resource utilization, and hold public hearings concerning the condition of the aquatic resources and other natural resources in western Montana.

Western Montana consists of all land and water west of the continental divide within the Montana portion of the headwaters of the Columbia River basin.

Job Overview:

This position coordinates natural resource and water quality protection operations and programs of WMCC. This entails assessing the needs of the commission through research and analysis to assure that projects and programs meet the statutory objectives. Research and analysis including working with private citizens, local government, and non-profit organizations within the commission’s jurisdiction to improve programs and services. The position reviews local laws and land use ordinances and reports on these to the commission for discussion, debate, and policy/position actions that inform program operations outreach, education, and direct action, as directed by the commission. The position reports directly to the Executive Director of the commission.

The focus of this position relates to natural resource and water quality protection including, but not limited to nonpoint source pollution mitigation, such as stormwater and wastewater associated projects, and supporting aquatic invasive species prevention programs. It may include leading and supporting education and outreach, water quality/stormwater monitoring and protection projects, volunteer management, and the coordination and implementation of work plans and strategies to restore and protect ground and surface water resources in western Montana.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.

A. Program Activities

To provide project and program delivery to the Western Montana Conservation Commission.

B. Administrative Support

Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and the members and the committees of the Western Montana Conservation Commission.

C. Other Duties as Assigned

Perform a variety of other duties as assigned. This includes, but is not limited to, providing backup and coverage for other agency staff; coordinating special projects, representing the agency at meetings and conferences, reviewing laws and rules for concurrence with application processing, performing other technical and administrative work, and engaging in training, professional development opportunities and continuing education as required/requested.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The DNRC may include the following factors in determining whether an applicant meets the qualifications of a position vacancy by: State of MT application form, cover letter, current resume, educational requirements, structured interview, a performance test, job-related reference checks, job-related work experience, job-related past and current performance.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR THIS POSITION ARE:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

HELPFUL HINT: You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. Failure to attach the required material will result in your application being incomplete.

For a questions regarding this job posting, please contact Becky at [email protected].

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

DNRC is most interested in candidates that have the following education and work experience:

• Skill in identifying and resolving the wide array of issues and problems related to a Board, communicating appropriately based on an individual’s knowledge base; in researching, organizing and delivering reports, gathering and analyzing evidence, research methodology and tools, use of office equipment and database, spreadsheet, presentation, email, Internet and word processing computer applications.
• A degree with major study in environmental sciences or closely related field AND relevant experience with project management dealing with natural/water resource protection, aquatic invasive species, and/or nonpoint source pollution.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse people sometimes in a hostile/adverse environment; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to learn and apply the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the programs involved; to gather, analyze, assemble and present database, numerical data, and narrative information for use by others; apply research and analysis methods; to prioritize assignments and work under the stress and pressure of deadlines; to organize and complete detailed work and solve practical problems in an office environment and to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Skills and experience with science communication, water or natural resource protection monitoring, and program development and implementation. Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts and ideas to the public through various medias including, but not limited to graphic design production for advertisements, brochures, reports, web content, and various educational materials.
• Ability/experience communicating science and conservation to the general public of various backgrounds, ages and interest levels, kids, retirees, and other land managers, and to participate in educational outreach activities as assigned by supervisor.
• This position requires knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations; business administration principles; technical writing; database and manual records management; and a working knowledge of State, Department, and Board statutes, rules, policies, and objectives. This position also requires knowledge of program management concepts; state travel policies and procedures; general governmental or business practices; business communications including business English, spelling, composition and grammar; common math; and office procedures.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking and independent judgment within established procedures; navigate ongoing issues with an in-depth level of understanding; manage conflicts; and identify and assess threats.
• Working knowledge of computer software such as PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel and ability to use web-based content management systems, ArcGIS tools, and social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

Physical and Environmental Demands:

General office work setting as well as frequent travel to meetings and events. Some lifting/loading will be required as well as potential for field work for program support as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of business English, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Skill in use of computers.
• Ability to use tact, courtesy, poise, alertness, and good judgment in public contacts.
• Ability to assimilate and effectively present complex materials, verbally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences including the public, state agencies, and stakeholders.
• Experience developing and managing natural resource and/or water resource protection programs
• Ability to work both independently and in team settings.
• Working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, ArcGIS, etc. and ability to use web-based content management systems and social media.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and tasks overseen by multiple program managers.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multiple partner organizations.

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".