Regional Recreation Manager

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Resume

Cover Letter

References

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 June 28 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.

Job Duties:

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) through its employees and citizen commission and board provides for the stewardship of Montanas fish wildlife parks and recreational resources while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations.

The Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR) Division manages visitor use and recreation at state parks fishing access sites and wildlife management areas; river recreation; access for hunting fishing and other recreation on public and private lands; shooting range development; and trail and shooting range grant programs. The regional recreation manager is part of the POR Division and serves on the regional leadership team. The position reports to the Regional Supervisor and is responsible for implementing division recreation programs policies priorities and day-to-day site operations and visitor services in the region.

This role oversees staff and operations at state parks fishing access sites and other FWP sites in Region 1 to provide a high level of customer service to Montanans and visitors. The manager works closely with internal colleagues and external partners including other agencies and sovereign Indian nations user groups landowners and industry.

Essential responsibilities

• Direct manage and lead approximately 26 regional recreation staff including recruitment hiring onboarding supervision and performance management. This position has 4 direct reports and also oversees intern volunteer and docent programs.
• Plan organize and manage visitor use and recreation at state parks fishing access sites and other sites to meet visitor expectations and conserve fish wildlife cultural and heritage resources.
• Set standards for and monitor site operations; recommend and implement new projects visitor services and improvements.
• Administer regional recreation program budgets monitor fee collection adjust expenditures to stay within budget and pursue revenue opportunities through fee compliance concessions enterprise products and grants. Provide budget recommendations to regional and division leadership.
• Ensure compliance with operational policies permitting and leasing requirements and applicable laws for recreation operations and capital development projects.
• Oversee commercial use permits concession contracts and agreements with private businesses and consultants providing recreation services and programs.
• Participate in rulemaking for public use of department-managed sites and in prioritizing land acquisitions easements and leases for recreation and access.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment and manage reporting of employee accidents and injuries consistent with department policies.

Work environment and special requirements

This position involves both office work and rigorous outdoor work under adverse weather conditions and irregular hours with approximately 25% travel and frequent weekend and evening work; work is typically accomplished without immediate supervision. Most evening and weekend work is focused during the peak recreation season balanced by the opportunity to take leave during the off season.

Interviews for this position will be held the week of July 13th.

Required qualifications

Education and experience

• Masters degree in Parks and Recreation Management Natural Resource Management or a closely related field plus five years of progressively responsible experience in human resource fiscal and parks and recreation management; or
• Bachelors degree in Parks and Recreation Management Natural Resource Management or a closely related field plus seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resource fiscal and parks and recreation management.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Knowledge skills and abilities

• Supervision performance management leadership and team building.
• Customer service and a strong desire to serve the public.
• Fiscal and budget management for complex programs.
• Park and recreation laws and rules emergency response incident management and public/employee safety and risk management.
• Negotiation public relations and strong written and verbal communication with both public and internal audiences.
• Agency laws rules policies administrative guidelines and state and federal laws for working in waterways.
• Outdoor recreation and access management resource protection and Montana history.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge skills and abilities of this position are normally attained through a Bachelors Degree in Park Management Resource Conservation Outdoor Recreation or a related field and at least 2 years of job-related experience. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.