Seasonal Mule Deer Habitat Project Manager – Montana/Dakota Grasslands

Title:                         Project Manager

Location:                  Miles City, MT or vicinity (as approved by MDF)

Classification:          Seasonal, Non-Exempt

Salary:                      $22 - $25/hr. based on experience (Paid Time Off, Overtime Eligible).

Application Deadline:            Open until filled - Preference will be given to applications received by March 31st, 2026.

Anticipated Start Date:        April 2026

Position Description: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is seeking applicants for one Project Manager to assist with habitat projects on the USFS lands on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana and the Dakata Prairie Grasslands in North Dakota. This position is a seasonal, field-based, position that will help deliver the mission of MDF on USFS lands. The expected term is late April through October 31st and may be extended based on funding availability and weather/field conditions.

The Project Manager reports to MDF’s Regional Conservation Coordinator for Montana and will work closely with MDF staff and US Forest Service personnel to plan, implement, and monitor projects associated with the MDF USFS Partnership Agreements. Project work will include, but not be limited to: project planning, project layout, fencing, habitat unit boundary delineation, quality control inspections, monitoring, and other duties. The overall project objectives are implementation of active forest management, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing habitat, watershed, and soil conditions for mule deer and other wildlife.

Specific Considerations

• The position may be located in a USFS office, but remote work from a home office will be required if USFS office space is not available.
• There is a possibility of rental housing at USFS
• Preference will be given to local candidates or those willing to relocate to identified Relocation assistance is not provided.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are required, reimbursement for personal vehicle use is provided. There is the possibility of access to a Forest Service vehicle for the successful applicant.
• Must be able to traverse rough terrain, function well in inclement weather, be familiar with backcountry travel & safety, and able to operate federal on/off-road vehicles.

Responsibilities:

• Manage habitat projects undertaken by MDF with conservation partners, specifically on the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands.
• Build and maintain close and mutually beneficial collaborative relationships among federal and state land and wildlife management agencies, NGO partners, private landowners and other MDF partners.
• Develop scope of work for habitat projects (e.g., hand or mechanical thinning, mastication, biomass removal, prescribed fire, planting/seeding, riparian restoration, infrastructure improvement, etc.) across various land ownerships and land uses.
• Coordinate with MDF and partners’ staff to develop, modify, manage, and track required documentation such as budgets, contracting mechanisms, required reporting, etc. for habitat projects that benefit mule deer or black-tailed deer.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly invoicing and reporting efforts, including identifying and executing necessary amendments, for contracts and grant-funded habitat work.
• Strengthen MDF’s ability to support on-the-ground restoration and enhancement projects that benefit and conserve ecosystems and expand outdoor experiences.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current and emerging issues, policy development, and innovations in the federal and state habitat partnership programs to enhance MDF program effectiveness.
• Build community support and conduct outreach activities that promote ecosystem function, conservation ethos, science-based game management, public access and hunting as both a management tool and a culturally significant pursuit.
• Secure additional funding through MDF or other partner
• Keep MDF supervisor and executive staff informed on work/projects and coordinate with other MDF staff.
• Supervise MDF or consultant project quality control inspectors as
• Other duties as

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Management/Science, Forestry, Ecology, Wildfire Science, or closely related fields.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of wildlife management, forestry techniques, wildfire/fuels, rangeland, and/or project
• Familiar with USFS, NEPA, stewardship agreements and other policies associated with project management, and working with contractors.
• Experience or working knowledge of habitat issues in the appropriate
• GIS, Field Maps, remote sensing, Avenza and OnX maps, Microsoft Office software, and social media platform familiarity preferred.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated and the ability to multitask with minimal
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting
• Integrity and proficiency with budgeting, invoicing, and partnership
• Ability to represent MDF in a clear and professional manner through written and oral
• Ability and comfort working independently and in remote
• Ability and willingness to work within the team mission, work in outdoor conditions, telework when necessary, and maintain a flexible work schedule if needed.
• Some weekend work and travel outside of duty location may be required.