This position is a leadership opportunity at the intersection of fisheries, wildlife, and recreation research and management in Montana, which has exceptional resources and a strong commitment to and history of science-based resource management.

The FWP Research Unit includes three focal areas:

1) research staff conducting applied research,

2) decision support staff with technical expertise related to biometrics, disease ecology, and human dimensions, and

3) genetics staff. This position supervises staff under the research focal area and reports to the Research Unit Administrator.

The incumbent will oversee the identification, prioritization, support, and coordination of applied research for FWP.  The position will work closely with research unit staff and wildlife, fisheries, and recreation management staff across the agency to develop applied research questions, ensure scientific investigations that address specific management needs are co-produced, and ensure that research findings, products, and tools are directly and seamlessly integrated into management programs that ultimately steward our resources to serve and benefit our public.

The position requires exceptional leadership and coordination skills to guide staff toward innovative research, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and advancement of FWP management programs. The position will supervise a respected and motivated team of research scientists who themselves are excellent leaders and coordinators. This position also involves working closely with university faculty and leadership, as well as FWP wildlife, fisheries and recreation managers, to ensure integration of collaborative FWP-university research programs with FWP management programs. This position is part of a larger Research Unit team that is highly skilled, productive and collectively committed to integrating science with management to increase rigor and innovation in service of the agency mission and the Montana public. Experience with, and commitment to, fostering productive team dynamics is required. Success in this position involves a combination of interpersonal, leadership, supervisory, time management, budgeting, field work, research design, analysis, presentation, and writing skills. This is a statewide position that will require travel and extended stays across Montana to foster communication and collaboration and to participate in ongoing projects away from the base office in Helena.

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 Master of Science degree in Fish, Wildlife, or Recreation Management or a closely related field, including the completion of a field research study, a written thesis, and at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in fish, wildlife, or recreation management or a related field that includes budget management and supervision. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.