Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
Resume Cover Letter and References required.
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 April 19th 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1 2026.
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.
Specific Job Information:
The Missoula area biologists responsibility area includes the Missoula Valley and Lower Clark Fork to Lookout Pass to include the communities of Missoula Frenchtown Alberton Superior and St Regis and deer/elk hunting districtsand the northern portion of 260.The biologist is based out of the regional office in Missoula and customer service and public interaction are an expectation. Missoula is a high-cost real estate market and applicants are encouraged to research the housing market before applying.Normal office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm but hours will vary depending on demands throughout the year. The work area includes large portions of the Superior Ninemile and Missoula Ranger Districts on the Lolo National Forest including the Rattlesnake wilderness and Great Burn recommended wilderness as well as the large urban/suburban area of the Missoula valley. The biologist is expected to work closely with landowners on game damage and other wildlife management issues respond to urban deer/wildlife calls work with organized stakeholder groups such as the Mineral County Resource Coalition and with a variety of city county federal and NGO staff working on natural resource issues around the Missoula valley. The biologist is expected to work closely with municipalities and other partners on urban deer management and emerging wildlife disease issues. The biologist is responsible for habitat management on two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Fish Creek and Mt Jumbo and works closely with the City on managing recreation/wildlife issues on Mt Jumbo. The biologist will work collaboratively on WMA management issues with the Enforcement Fisheries and Parks and Outdoor Recreation divisions. Annual wildlife surveys include but are not limited to: aerial elk and mule deer surveys in the spring aerial mule deer surveys in the winter aerial bighorn sheep surveys in the spring (2 bighorn sheep herds) summer ground surveys for mountain goats in the Great Burn and a spring/summer aerial survey of mountain goats in the Rattlesnake wilderness. The biologist is responsible for running a game check station near Fish Creek during the general rifle season every year. The biologist works closely with the non-game biologist and assists with annual non-game surveys as needed.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Survey capture and handling methods frequently involve stressful and dangerous situations.Surveys require use of low-level fixed wing and helicopter flights in mountain valley foothill and high mountain habitats at low altitudes in hazardous flying conditions and sitting in confined spaces with exposure to high noise levels. Capturing and handling big game animals involves the use of controlled substances and potentially lethal immobilization chemicals and handling big game animals such as deer elk bears lions moose and sheep.
Work schedules are variable including weekends and nights when necessary requiring the wildlife biologist to exhibit flexibility in daily weekly and annual work schedules. Self-motivation is an important part of this position. Heavy lifting up to 40lb and the ability to work in remote and difficult terrain is necessary under varying and occasionally extreme weather conditions. Travel via 4-wheel drive ATV and snow machines is a necessary aspect of this position.
The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the Departments wildlife management program including the State Wildlife Action Plan in their assigned work area in Region 2. This includes developing and implementing adaptive wildlife and habitat management strategies; preparing wildlife management recommendations including hunting season regulations; working with various private landowners various government agencies other organizations and stakeholders to increase public enjoyment of natural resources; represent the Department on wildlife habitat and access management matters; and maintain proficiency of a professional wildlife scientist.
This is accomplished by: Designing and conducting ground and aerial field investigations and surveys; recording and analyzing survey data species information statistical models and data from Department databases; formulating management strategies and plans that benefit wildlife populations and habitats; obtaining public support for proposals and submitting proposals through a public process which are often highly visible and controversial involving the entire spectrum of interests and stakeholders in wildlife conservation issues; identify habitat conservation and access needs; utilize population models to predict adaptive harvest and changing environmental factors influencing wildlife conservation; establish hunter check stations and collect pertinent biological data to assist in evaluating population trends and status; respond to wildlife damage complaints following legal statutes and department policies;collaborate with Department staff to design implement and interpret findings of wildlife and wildlife habitat related studies to further understanding and management of specific species; oversee and conduct habitat maintenance and improvement projects on department Wildlife Management areas; work with land management agency staff to identify and improve habitat management plans and actions on public lands; demonstrate the ability to safely capture restrain and immobilize a variety of wildlife species; provide data and information to mitigate habitat development on private and public lands maintain professional status through literature review and trainings present findings and information to public and scientific audiences at various settings; and develop and maintain working relationships with Department staff other agency staff and the public to foster communication cooperation and collaboration on projects.
This position requires a creative and energetic person who is a life-long-learner and capable of pioneering new approaches to wildlife conservation that address issues of the day and issues of the future. A demonstrated interest in - and working knowledge of - the natural history of a broad array of wildlife species is important. The position also requires proven people skills (interpersonal relationships communications networking team-building coaching facilitation) an ability to maintain good working relationships with the breadth of stakeholders in wildlife issues (agricultural interests conservation community industry state and federal agencies and Tribes) and skills in conflict management and collaborative problem solving. Patience and persistence are necessary traits. Leadership and collaborative skills and ability to pioneer data management systems are just as important to this position as an aptitude and ability to conduct fieldwork. Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently are important.
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 Masters Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management Wildlife Biology Range Management Zoology or Biology including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician in addition to successful completion of a single research effort that includes:
Literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue.
Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis.
Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application.
Interpretation and analysis of data including a quantitative assessment of that information.
As primary author completion of one or more publications in a peer-reviewed journal.
If appropriate to the project formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and or actions.
Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.
Required Experience:
IC
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 th...
Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.
Resume Cover Letter and References required.
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 April 19th 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.
Special Information:
This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1 2026.
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.
Specific Job Information:
The Missoula area biologists responsibility area includes the Missoula Valley and Lower Clark Fork to Lookout Pass to include the communities of Missoula Frenchtown Alberton Superior and St Regis and deer/elk hunting districtsand the northern portion of 260.The biologist is based out of the regional office in Missoula and customer service and public interaction are an expectation. Missoula is a high-cost real estate market and applicants are encouraged to research the housing market before applying.Normal office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm but hours will vary depending on demands throughout the year. The work area includes large portions of the Superior Ninemile and Missoula Ranger Districts on the Lolo National Forest including the Rattlesnake wilderness and Great Burn recommended wilderness as well as the large urban/suburban area of the Missoula valley. The biologist is expected to work closely with landowners on game damage and other wildlife management issues respond to urban deer/wildlife calls work with organized stakeholder groups such as the Mineral County Resource Coalition and with a variety of city county federal and NGO staff working on natural resource issues around the Missoula valley. The biologist is expected to work closely with municipalities and other partners on urban deer management and emerging wildlife disease issues. The biologist is responsible for habitat management on two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Fish Creek and Mt Jumbo and works closely with the City on managing recreation/wildlife issues on Mt Jumbo. The biologist will work collaboratively on WMA management issues with the Enforcement Fisheries and Parks and Outdoor Recreation divisions. Annual wildlife surveys include but are not limited to: aerial elk and mule deer surveys in the spring aerial mule deer surveys in the winter aerial bighorn sheep surveys in the spring (2 bighorn sheep herds) summer ground surveys for mountain goats in the Great Burn and a spring/summer aerial survey of mountain goats in the Rattlesnake wilderness. The biologist is responsible for running a game check station near Fish Creek during the general rifle season every year. The biologist works closely with the non-game biologist and assists with annual non-game surveys as needed.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Survey capture and handling methods frequently involve stressful and dangerous situations.Surveys require use of low-level fixed wing and helicopter flights in mountain valley foothill and high mountain habitats at low altitudes in hazardous flying conditions and sitting in confined spaces with exposure to high noise levels. Capturing and handling big game animals involves the use of controlled substances and potentially lethal immobilization chemicals and handling big game animals such as deer elk bears lions moose and sheep.
Work schedules are variable including weekends and nights when necessary requiring the wildlife biologist to exhibit flexibility in daily weekly and annual work schedules. Self-motivation is an important part of this position. Heavy lifting up to 40lb and the ability to work in remote and difficult terrain is necessary under varying and occasionally extreme weather conditions. Travel via 4-wheel drive ATV and snow machines is a necessary aspect of this position.
The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the implementation of the Departments wildlife management program including the State Wildlife Action Plan in their assigned work area in Region 2. This includes developing and implementing adaptive wildlife and habitat management strategies; preparing wildlife management recommendations including hunting season regulations; working with various private landowners various government agencies other organizations and stakeholders to increase public enjoyment of natural resources; represent the Department on wildlife habitat and access management matters; and maintain proficiency of a professional wildlife scientist.
This is accomplished by: Designing and conducting ground and aerial field investigations and surveys; recording and analyzing survey data species information statistical models and data from Department databases; formulating management strategies and plans that benefit wildlife populations and habitats; obtaining public support for proposals and submitting proposals through a public process which are often highly visible and controversial involving the entire spectrum of interests and stakeholders in wildlife conservation issues; identify habitat conservation and access needs; utilize population models to predict adaptive harvest and changing environmental factors influencing wildlife conservation; establish hunter check stations and collect pertinent biological data to assist in evaluating population trends and status; respond to wildlife damage complaints following legal statutes and department policies;collaborate with Department staff to design implement and interpret findings of wildlife and wildlife habitat related studies to further understanding and management of specific species; oversee and conduct habitat maintenance and improvement projects on department Wildlife Management areas; work with land management agency staff to identify and improve habitat management plans and actions on public lands; demonstrate the ability to safely capture restrain and immobilize a variety of wildlife species; provide data and information to mitigate habitat development on private and public lands maintain professional status through literature review and trainings present findings and information to public and scientific audiences at various settings; and develop and maintain working relationships with Department staff other agency staff and the public to foster communication cooperation and collaboration on projects.
This position requires a creative and energetic person who is a life-long-learner and capable of pioneering new approaches to wildlife conservation that address issues of the day and issues of the future. A demonstrated interest in - and working knowledge of - the natural history of a broad array of wildlife species is important. The position also requires proven people skills (interpersonal relationships communications networking team-building coaching facilitation) an ability to maintain good working relationships with the breadth of stakeholders in wildlife issues (agricultural interests conservation community industry state and federal agencies and Tribes) and skills in conflict management and collaborative problem solving. Patience and persistence are necessary traits. Leadership and collaborative skills and ability to pioneer data management systems are just as important to this position as an aptitude and ability to conduct fieldwork. Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently are important.
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 Masters Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management Wildlife Biology Range Management Zoology or Biology including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a wildlife biologist or senior wildlife technician in addition to successful completion of a single research effort that includes:
Literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue.
Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis.
Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application.
Interpretation and analysis of data including a quantitative assessment of that information.
As primary author completion of one or more publications in a peer-reviewed journal.
If appropriate to the project formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions and or actions.
Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff or public audience.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry wants to help both employees and employers to be happy on the job. We take seriously our mission to promote and protect the well-being of Montana's workers, employers and citizens, and to uphold their rights and responsibilities. Our agenc
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
18 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
