Access Technician

Hunting Access Technician

This position assists the Regional Access Manager in management of lands enrolled in Department hunting access programs, including coordinating hunter use of FWP managed lands. This position also assists landowners and department enforcement and wildlife personnel with recreational use compliance issues. This position functions as a member of the regional access team, which includes other Hunting Access Technicians and hunting access personnel.

This is a seasonal position. Approximate employment dates for Hunting Access Technician field positions in region 4 vary and typically begin in early August and can run through mid-February. Weekend and holiday work will be required. Work schedule for this position is typically Friday through Monday with 10-hour days. Housing may be provided in specific locations.

Requires frequent travel and working conditions in a field setting, typically in remote terrain. Overnight travel is also required and may entail using FWP facilities. Working conditions include working outdoors in all seasons and in unpredictable and inclement weather. The incumbent should be in good overall physical condition and possess sufficient outdoor skills to withstand the rigors and demands of outdoor work and to carry out duties effectively and safely. Lifting 30 - 50 pounds is commonly required.

Field locations are in Montana throughout Region 4. Region 4 is in Central Montana and consists of small communities, rural landscapes and densely populated urban areas. Terrain, elevation, and wildlife habitat vary greatly across the region.

From the duty station in Great Falls, the incumbent will be assigned to one of the following areas of FWP Region 4: Cascade County, Lewis & Clark County, Choteau and Pondera County. Over 27% of the region is public land, offering a variety of recreational opportunities to area residents and visitors. Additionally, Region 4 is comprised of large areas of private lands with farming and ranching economies. Deer, elk, antelope, black bears, and upland birds inhabit the region, providing a diversity of hunting opportunities.

Job Duties

Assist with the implementation of regional hunting access programs. This includes coordination with area landowners and department personnel to address recreational use compliance and information dissemination for public hunting opportunities.

Implement department hunting access programs and assist landowners to provide public hunting opportunities. With regional guidance, assist to develop and implement necessary processes and changes to adapt area use rules and hunter activities during hunting seasons. Work with landowners, partners, and department personnel to post on site area rules and regulations to ensure hunter awareness and compliance. Assist with setting up and maintaining public hunting access sites. This may include locating and marking boundaries and access points, establishing parking areas, maintaining information or permission stations.

Collect and maintain access use data and information. Document daily and seasonal use of hunting areas. Act as a resource for landowners and the public by responding to inquiries, providing information and direction. Assist in the resolution of conflicts which involve hunters and landowners. Aid with the development and dissemination of programmatic materials. Communicate program information to hunters, landowners, and department personnel. Some position locations may be requested to manage specialized permission systems, issue permission and provide information pertaining to specialized permission systems. Provide general information to hunters regarding department rules and regulations, access opportunities, and state and local land management agency rules.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Applicants should have basic knowledge and understanding of Montana's hunting heritage, hunting principles, rules and regulations. A basic understanding of ranching practices and agricultural communities is preferred. Must be capable of building necessary skills to maintain partnerships between hunting access, wildlife habitat conservation and agricultural values.

Applicants should have the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with diverse groups of people and personalities. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work in a team atmosphere, with regional hunting access personnel, biologists and game wardens. Applicants must also demonstrate aptitude for building and maintaining interpersonal relationships with FWP staff, private landowners, the public and partner agencies. Applicants must be capable of explaining basic department principles and concepts in a simple, clear and effective way to members of the public.

Applicants should have the ability to follow verbal and written assignments, to prioritize and manage a range of tasks. The ability to work independently with little to no daily supervision in remote locations. Applicants must also be willing to learn basic situational awareness; perception of personal safety and safety of others is expected. A positive outlook and demeanor are preferred.

Applicants should be able to operate a 4x4 pickup truck with both standard and automatic transmissions. Other equipment duties may involve use of fencing tools, basic construction tools, computers and GPS.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or equivalency. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.