About the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) is a nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. We connect people with the wildlands of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (BMWC) through hands-on stewardship. Each year, hundreds of volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff join us to maintain trails, restore habitats, and protect the wild character of the Bob. We believe in the power of people working together to care for one of the largest and most intact wilderness areas in the Lower 48.

About the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex

Considered by many to be the “crown jewel” of the wilderness preservation system, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in Northwestern Montana is the third largest Wilderness area in the lower 48. “The Bob,” as it’s known locally, straddles the Continental Divide and is comprised of towering limestone reefs (including the famous Chinese Wall), range after range of majestic mountains, lush forests, broad basins and valleys, and two Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Bob is located on lands traditionally inhabited by the Blackfeet tribe on the east side of the Divide and the Salish and Kootenai tribes on the west.

Position Details

Title: Invasive Species Coordinator

Classification: Full time, Year Round, Salaried

Reports to: Program Director

Location: BMWF currently operates out of Forest Service offices in Missoula and Hungry Horse, Montana. This arrangement may be considered for another gateway community near the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (ie. Seeley Lake, Helena, Great Falls, Choteau, etc.) if desired by the applicant. Part-time teleworking may also be considered for this position.

Position Overview

The Invasive Species Coordinator leads BMWF’s efforts to protect the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex’s native landscapes from invasive weeds. This position blends program management with time in the backcountry (approximately 60% office, 40% field). The Coordinator works closely with the Program Director, Forest Service partners, community groups, and seasonal field crews to plan, implement, and supervise invasive species stewardship projects.

This is a chance to make a tangible difference in the health of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex while inspiring and training others to be stewards of wild places.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

• Treat noxious weeds in the BMWC according to the BMWF management plan.
• Lead up to four volunteer projects each season targeting weeds and restoration.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor Invasive Species crew leader(s) and Wilderness Invasives & Restoration Crew (WIRC) interns.
• Conduct backcountry noxious weeds inventories and treatments during the field season.
• Partner with the Education Coordinator to develop and support classroom and trailhead education opportunities focused on invasive species awareness and prevention.

Other Requirements:

• Considerable travel, weekend work, and use of a personal vehicle (with mileage reimbursement) are required.

Desired Skills, Experience and Background

Qualifications may be met through a combination of education and experience. Typically, candidates will have a degree in botany, natural resource management, outdoor education, or a related field, and/or at least three years of backcountry and leadership experience.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A strong commitment to BMWF’s mission and the protection of wilderness character
• Knowledge of invasive plant management, botany, and plant ID
• Experience working with government agencies, nonprofits, or outdoor programs
• Supervisory and group leadership skills, especially in the backcountry
• Familiarity with mapping and data collection tools (Avenza, GIS, etc)
• A Montana Pesticide Applicator license (or willingness to obtain)
• Wilderness living and safety skills (e.g. Leave No Trace, navigation, extended trips)
• Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills (Word, Excel, Google Drive, Zoom & Microsoft Teams)

Additional desired skills:

• Volunteer or intern management experience
• Knowledge of BMWC trails and landscapes
• Experience working with pack stock
• A deep passion for large, wild landscapes and native ecosystems

Leadership Style

We are looking for a teammate who:

• Leads with integrity, dependability, and respect
• Enjoys collaboration and clear and consistent communication
• Can navigate challenges with patience and problem-solving
• Keeps organized while balancing many moving pieces
• Believes in fostering a positive, supportive community of staff, volunteers, and partners.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $45,000-$50,000 depending on experience
• Generous paid leave, including:
• 15 paid vacation days (increases to 20 after the first year)
• 15 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick days
• Weekly Health & Wellness hours
• Annual personal Wilderness days
• Employer-paid health insurance
• Employer-matched SIMPLE IRA plan
• Relocation benefits
• Flexible mix of in-office work and telework