TheMontana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Biologist.This is a Biologist 3 position in the Resources Section of the Environmental Services Bureau. The position is commonly referred to as State-wide or District Biologist and is responsible for a large geographical area up to and including the entire state. The position is responsible for conducting in-depth independent biological analyses and technical review to identify assess and mitigate environmental impacts associated with MDTs transportation program. This requires preparation of scientifically and legally defensible reports and summary analyses to document findings. This position serves as the Departments authority on all natural resource issues including natural resource management evaluation impact analysis mitigation permit applications and regulatory compliance related to planning processes and all preconstruction construction and maintenance projects and activities. The position serves as a liaison and negotiator between regulatory agencies and MDT bureaus and involves highly complex controversial and precedent-setting environmental issues. The position also serves as liaison to non-governmental organizations and citizens groups with respect.
For a full job description please contact Human Resourcesat
Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:
- Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
- Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
- Health Dental and Vision Insurance
- Access to Montana Health Centers low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
- State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
- Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
- Paid vacation sick leave and holidays
- Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
- Benefits apply on first day of employment
For information on the Montana Department of Transportations mission vision and values please visit our website: Education and Experience:
- A Bachelors Degree in Natural Resource Management Biology Botany Wildlife/Fisheries Sciences Ecology or a related natural resources field is required.
- This position requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience with natural resources; preferably with a natural resource professional firm organization or agency/department. Basic knowledge of engineering principles and civil engineering practices is beneficial but not required.
- This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the theories concepts and principles of environmental resource management; conservation biology (stream wetland fisheries wildlife) transportation ecology plant and animal taxonomy hydrology soils groundwater discharge/recharge ecology botany research methods and techniques scientific documentation
- Knowledge of the methods and practices of highway construction engineering and design
- Knowledge of state federal and tribal environmental laws rules regulations policies orders and agreements
- Skilled in remaining objective in controversial social and politically sensitive situations; effectively determining impacts by balancing engineering and scientific theories and practices within regulatory requirements; being flexible while coordinating a large number of projects and changing priorities simultaneously
- Skilled in preparing timely concise professional correspondence and reports
Required Application Materials:
- A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
- A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.
Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as Relevant.
If you need an accommodation with the application process please contact the HR representative listed below.
Other Information
- Drivers record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicants permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201 State Vehicle Use and MDT Policy #6.03.001 State Vehicle Use Policy are conditions of employment.
- This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
- The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women racial and ethnic minorities people with disabilities and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division at 406.444.6054.
- The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.