Range Conservation Scientist 1 - Land Use Specialist

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Core Values

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana's forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.
• We practice accountability.
• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work

Position Overview

The Eastern Land Office-Land Use Specialist (LUS) has operational responsibility for assigned departmental programs and field activities, property and personnel within the defined geographical region of the Eastern Land Office. The LUS performs diverse, scientific professional tasks in the design, implementation, coordination and evaluation of all assigned natural resource management programs within the office.

What You'll Do

• Manage state trust lands to support responsible resource use and meet department goals.

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Evaluate grazing and agricultural practices, provide guidance to lessees, and monitor land conditions.

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Administer leases and review proposed land uses, improvements, easements, and access requests.

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Conduct site inspections and environmental reviews to assess impacts and ensure compliance with laws, policies, and agreements.

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Monitor mineral development, reclamation, and noxious weed management activities.

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Investigate violations, recommend corrective actions, and help resolve land-use conflicts.

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Prepare reports and agreements, maintain records, and collaborate with lessees, agencies, and the public.

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Support GIS tools, wildfire response, and other assigned activities.

Application Materials

• Online State Application

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Benefits

• Work/life balance.

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.

• Longevity pay with continued state service.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.

• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in a natural Resource Management field (preferably Range Management, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Ag Business or Agriculture)
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible administrative and professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Water law, hydrology, water policy, and federal and state programs affecting Montana's water resources.
• Organization and management principles, including leading complex, multi‑disciplinary programs and teams.
• Regulatory compliance procedures, enforcement practices, and administrative hearing processes.

Skills in:

• Strategic planning, policy development, and translating legislative intent into practical programs and procedures.
• Explaining complex technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Public speaking, stakeholder facilitation, and negotiation.

Ability to:

• Obtain and maintain a Government Pesticide Applicator's License for general- and restricted-use agricultural pesticides.
• Complete Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) training.
• Complete all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety training.
• Safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and watercraft, as assigned.
• Work safely and independently in rough terrain and all weather conditions.

Special Information

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months

Eligibility to Work

Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here: E-Verify Website.