First Review Date is: 10/13/2025

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.

Program Activities

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

• Assess duties of the commission and theorize the types of research and information/data collection necessary to inform development of projects and programs that will successfully complete these duties.
• Lead projects and programs of commission committees and efforts related to commission priorities and work areas. Activities include project planning, development, and management as well as designating project resources, maintaining budgets, monitoring progress, and keeping stakeholders informed along the way.
• Lead and assist with natural resource and water protection activities and programs. Activities include: lead the development, management, and coordination of the commission’s water protection programs and collaborations; creating, developing, and disseminating related educational and outreach materials; providing content and updates for newsletters, reports, and Listservs; developing, implementing, and maintaining monitoring strategies; identifying additional methods of outreach and public/stakeholder engagement and collaboration; and organizing, implementing, participating, and/or attending events such as trainings, workshops, and public outreach events of interest to the commission and/or DNRC.
• Research and evaluate new and innovative technology and other solutions to protect water quality and quantity as well as prevent aquatic invasive species. Develop new and collaborative programs and projects to further the commission’s mission.
• Coordinate and collect field samples as necessary to support or justify projects or grant funding. Manage contracts as necessary related to monitoring or sampling for the commission.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and support for commission projects, interns, and programs including but not limited to: Big Sky Watershed Corps members and associated work plans; watershed partnerships; and the development of associated materials, plans, and reports.
• Track and document relevant natural resource news, happenings, events, and issues for the Commission, upcoming meeting topics, and project development.
• Provide leadership in the development and administration of grants, contracts, and associated projects. This includes research on potential funding opportunities, grant writing, contract development and administration, performance monitoring, and communication and outreach techniques.
• Lead the administration of utilizing grant funding received. Provide support and direction to sub-grantees and/or ensure grant funds are applied to eligible projects within the required timelines.
• Provide leadership for project implementation (reviewing draft reports, leading/participating in regular updates and meetings, vetting and submitting invoices, tracking project budgets, planning expenditures, etc.).
• If needed, act for the Executive Director, performing all Commission duties and functions as needed (when on leave, assignment, etc.).

Administrative Support

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

• Work with the Executive Director and the Commission on meeting planning, forming agenda, and presentations. Activities include but are not limited to meeting logistical support (technology, room reservations, catering, supplies), preparation and distribution of agendas and meeting materials, public notice of meetings, providing and presenting information to stakeholders and interested persons, and ensuring effective and efficient meetings.
• Present at meetings on projects and programs of the commission and associated committees/working groups. The commission and associated committees meet on a quarterly basis, if not more frequently.
• Process staff and board travel reimbursement requests, as well as other invoices, complete with claim pay forms and regular budget tracking and associated reporting.
• As applicable, prepare or help prepare procurement documents and contracts, such as RFPs and limited solicitations.
• Track budgets and grant expenditures; prepare grant reports and research/findings as applicable.
• Provide content and help prepare and distribute regularly scheduled reports (e.g., biennial report, water protection strategies, monitoring plans, etc.).
• Create and/or prepare letters, memos, forms, meeting schedules, reports, etc., using word processing, spreadsheet, and database and/or presentation software.
• Maintain data logs in established software programs and produce statistical information upon request.
• Attend out of town meetings as needed.
• Actively monitor and continually evaluate new technologies, management strategies, trends, and other issues related to system and application development, administration, and troubleshooting approaches to maintain a high level of professional and technical expertise.

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.

DNRC 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.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• A Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or a closely related field.
• Relevant experience with project management dealing with natural/water resource protection, aquatic invasive species and/or nonpoint source pollution.
• Combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location: Missoula

Other Locations: Anaconda, Hamilton, Kalispell, Libby

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References