Recreation Site Tech

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Please remember to attach the required documents Cover Letter and Resume 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 23, 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 1,040 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.

The recreational technician position will split between Lake Elmo and Pictograph Cave State Parks with some responsibility for other selected FWP sites that may include fishing access sites and a wildlife management area. This position runs from approximately May to August as a seasonal permanent position set at 0.325 FTE. The position is based at the FWP Region 5 headquarters adjacent to Lake Elmo State Park, with time being split 50/50 between Lake Elmo and Pictograph Cave State Parks.

Lake Elmo State Park is 123 acres in size, the lake covers approximately half of the area. The park has a designated 1.4 mile trail, playground, two pavilions, and multiple water accesses. The park receives over 170,000 visitors per year, offers great recreational opportunities including hiking, swimming, boating, bird watching, and fishing. The fishing access sites and wildlife management areas offer opportunity for boating, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, hiking, as well as many other recreational activities.

Pictograph Cave State Park is the site of one of Montana's oldest prehistoric habitations. The park is 23 acres, with a ¾ of a mile loop trail with interpretive displays identifying the paintings and other features. There are three caves and a visitor center, as well as a picnic area. The park receives over 50.000 visitors per year and provides educational programs for school groups.

Billings is the biggest city in Montana and enjoys an eclectic music and arts scene, access to national forests and other public lands within an hours drive, and a robust collection of clubs and activities for every interest. Known as Montana's Trailhead, Billings offers everything from breweries to the Bighorn Canyon. It has a small town feel with the attractions a of big city.

The Recreation Technician assists the unit's Recreation Manager and Ranger with operations at sites for recreation, visitor use, and natural, cultural, and historical resources. This position provides essential services and addresses tasks as they arise, such as visitor contacts, rule compliance, fee collection and remittance, interpretation and education, and other duties as assigned. Additionally, the Recreation Technician will perform light maintenance duties such as maintaining comfort stations and visitor centers as well as refuse collection. Recreation Technicians are a front-line position focused on providing good customer service and can include shifts to staff the entrance station . The position will have responsibilities for closing and balancing a cash drawer.

The Technician is supervised by the Recreation Manager. In the absence of the Recreation Ranger, the incumbent may be assigned acting Recreation Ranger responsibilities. A Technician may be assigned to multiple geographic units or be called upon to assist with, collaborate on, or share operational functions of another of another geographic unit as circumstances require.

Applicants should have a background in natural resources, recreation, or recreation management. They will need to be knowledgeable of, or willing to learn, the laws, policies, and regulations under which the agency operates and site rules. Technicians are expected to negotiate, explain, and diffuse conflict among parties with differing views and visitors frustrated with department/site rules and policy. They must behave ethically and appropriately when serving visitors.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

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.

Required at time of application: General knowledge of basic customer service and safe work habits Ability to: educate and inform visitors on compliance with rules and regulations and State laws; collect fees and make change; sell merchandise and account for monies collected; read, maintain, and prepare records and reports; and assist visitors in emergency situations. Daily interaction with site visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills.