Recreation Site Technician

Graduation from high school or equivalent education. One year of college or vocational training experience in park and recreation management interpretive visitor center or closely related setting is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Please remember to attach the required documents Cover Letter Resume and References listed in this announcement. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 1 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement paid vacation sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

These two Recreation Technician positions will primarily be located at Cooney Reservoir State Park with some responsibility for other selected FWP sites including Fishing Access Sites (FAS). The positions run from approximately May to September as a seasonal permanent position. The positions will be based at Cooney Reservoir State Park located in Carbon County. Cooney SP is a 300 acre site with an emphasis on water-based recreation and camping. Visitation is very high in the summer months. Fishing boating birdwatching hiking biking camping swimming and many more outdoor recreation activities are offered at Cooney SP. Both positions will be supervised by the Cooney SP Recreation Manager and includes responsibilities at 10 Fishing Access Sites along the Stillwater River and West Rosebud Creek and Big Lake Wildlife Management Area in Stillwater County.
Cooney State Park Nestled in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains and south-central Montana is one of the most visited water-based recreation areas in the state. Part of the parks success can be attributed to its proximity to the Billings area just a 40-minute drive. Another reason is the phenomenal trout perch and walleye fishing that draws anglers from both near and far. Whether you enjoy fishing boating or jet-skiing swimming camping or just to get outside for some adventure or relaxation Cooney State Park may become one of your favorite destinations too!

The Recreation Technician position is a front line and provides general operational support of a variety of recreational offerings at state parks fishing access sites wildlife management areas and along river corridors. This can include day use areas campgrounds water access and amenities historic sites trail programs park offices visitor centers and entrance gates among others. The incumbent should be skilled in aspects of recreation management including trail and park management conflict resolution stewardship beautification scheduling customer service and other administrative tasks.

Job Duties:

Receive count and remit fees prepare reports.

Collect data related to site use from vehicle counters or visitor surveys

Operate POS cash register system (Point of Sale) and basic office machines

Operate web-based reservation system

Staff visitor center: front desk or visitor contact station greet visitors answer visitor questions related to site resources facilities and surrounding areas

Sell merchandise such as firewood or other inventory and manage equipment rentals

Assist campers with questions and campsite reservations

Assist with interpretive programs and special events; may present talks lead tours and hikes

Perform public safety duties

Monitor recreation sites by foot or vehicle; advise visitors of visitor use rules and regulations; report violations observed to superiors for follow up

Monitor visitor use impacts on historical cultural natural and recreational resource and advise visitors on best practices

Provide emergency assistance or medical aid as appropriate within training

Prepare incident reports

Light-duty maintenance responsibilities including groundskeeping janitorial services and minor repairs.

Provides assistance to persons with disabilities when needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Work is performed in both an indoor and outdoor environment.

Frequently works in adverse outdoor conditions including temperature extremes snow and rain dust and mosquito infested areas.

Works with public and may inform public of site rules and regulations.

The position may require some travel. The incumbent will be required to work odd hours weekends and holidays.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Familiarity with natural and cultural resource management including historical and current issues. Must develop a working knowledge including site location and available recreational opportunities for public recreational sites in the regions jurisdiction. These include wildlife management areas fishing access sites state parks forested lands and major waterways.

Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Must be able to establish positive working relationships with co-workers and the public.

Must be comfortable communicating with dissatisfied visitors and helping to deescalate the situation.

Must behave ethically and appropriately when serving visitors.

Must have the ability to understand and effectively explain Department policies and regulations to the public. Ability to use tact courtesy poise alertness and good judgment in public contacts.

Must have basic computer skills: email word processing internet use spreadsheet development