Information & Interpretive Specialist – Bitterroot National Forest

Bitterroot National Forest – Hamilton, Montana
USDA Forest Service | GS-5 | Full-Time | Temporary

The Bitterroot National Forest is hiring a temporary Information and Interpretive Specialist based at the Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, Montana.

This position is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with the public, communicating about natural resources and recreation, and helping visitors have safe and positive experiences on public lands.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide information and interpretive assistance to the public through a variety of methods.

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities may include:

• Greet visitors and respond to questions about Forest Service activities, recreation opportunities, facilities, programs, policies, and regulations.
• Provide information to visitors, callers, and the public about the Bitterroot National Forest.
• Provide guidance on Forest Service rules and regulations and encourage visitors to help protect natural resources.
• Answer phones and radios and assist with directing questions to the appropriate Forest Service staff.
• Prepare and maintain public information materials, including brochures, maps, posters, flyers, and other handouts.
• Create and update informational materials related to safety, recreation, events, closures, and other important Forest information.
• Assist with interpretive programs, displays, and presentations related to topics such as fire safety, environmental awareness, recreation, and litter prevention.
• Make presentations to schools, community groups, and other organizations as needed.
• Maintain visitor information and interpretive displays.
• Track visitor numbers, public use, and other statistics used for planning.
• Respond to web and email inquiries and coordinate with other Forest Service offices and local partners.
• Assist with Forest Service website information, including current recreation and road closure information.
• Sell and account for forest permits, maps, passes, and other items as a Collection Officer.
• Coordinate sales and inventory of books and other materials through the Forest’s interpretive association.
• Perform daily front desk and reception duties, including opening and closing the facility.
• Assist with mail, packages, phone lists, sign-out boards, lost and found, and other clerical duties.
• Provide visitors with information about safety and security procedures.
• Assist with seasonal and changing interpretive displays and public information needs.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the requirements for a GS-5 position.

You may qualify through:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level, or
• A bachelor’s degree, or
• Four years of successfully completed education above high school, or
• A combination of qualifying education and specialized experience.

Examples of qualifying experience include greeting visitors, responding to visitor questions, accounting for collected money using computer programs and records, presenting interpretive programs, and performing clerical or public-facing duties.

Paid and unpaid experience, including qualifying volunteer experience, may be considered. 

Position Details

Location: Hamilton, Montana – Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office
Grade: GS-5
Schedule: Full-time
Appointment: Temporary
Series: 1001 – General Arts and Information
Telework: Not eligible
Expected start: Between November 15 and December 27, 2026

The position is temporary and may be filled for up to six months or up to a one-year Not-to-Exceed appointment, depending on the position. Extensions may be possible without further competition. The appointment may also end early due to lack of work or funding.

The announcement lists a Rest-of-U.S. rate of $19.52/hour; actual pay may vary by duty location based on locality pay.