Habitat Specialist

Position The Habitat Specialist is a unique opportunity to work on large-scale habitat conservation of grasslands and sagebrush grasslands across Eastern Montana. The position covers large geographical areas consisting of a mix of public and private lands tied to agriculture (farming/ranching). Extensive travel is required to meet with landowners and complete site visits throughout the year, even in adverse weather conditions. The incumbent does office work, develops proposals and contracts, and coordinates activities with department staff, landowners, and partners. Responsibilities Implement and support the Landscape-Scale Habitat Conservation Lease (HCL) program, targeting up to 500,000 acres over five years. Develop, review, and approve Habitat Conservation Lease applications, including checklist environmental assessments. Conduct site visits, prepare lease agreements, generate project summaries, and monitor leases for compliance. Engage landowners, partners, and the public via meetings, presentations, and outreach activities. Oversee project completion, promote program expansion, and identify opportunities to enhance delivery or support habitat restoration. Coordinate compliance monitoring of other FWP conservation properties and easements as required. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, range science, fish and wildlife management, animal ecology, biology, or a closely related field. At least five (5) years of work experience specifically related to the skills and abilities required for this position. Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Benefits Salary: $26.95 per hour. Telework: Not eligible. Travel: Required, approximately 50% of the time. Health insurance, paid leave & holidays, retirement plan. Potential statutory base pay increase of $1.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026. EEO Statement The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr Munro Footwear Group