Recreation Technician

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

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

Resume

Cover Letter

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 May 10, 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 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 Lower Clark Fork District is comprised of three state parks (Council Grove, Frenchtown Pond and Fish Creek), 21 fishing access sites, including the sites along the Alberton Gorge, and the 40,000-acre Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area. The district spans the Clark Fork River from Missoula to St. Regis. This position is based out of the FWP Region 2 office in Missoula, Montana, the state's second largest urban area and home to the University of Montana. Missoula has a lively cultural scene and great recreational access to nearby public lands and rivers.

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.

Incumbents must be able to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions and irregular hours. This work may be accomplished without immediate supervision. The incumbent must be in good overall physical condition to withstand the rigors and demands of outdoor work. The incumbent must be willing to work in various locations, conditions and times. Weekends, holidays and evening work are common and expected. Incumbents may travel out of the region on occasion.

Job Duties:

The Recreation Technician is a front-line position that provides general operational support of a variety of recreational offerings at state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and along river corridors.

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.

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 conflicts among parties with differing views and visitors frustrated with department/site rules and policy. They must behave ethically and appropriately when serving visitors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

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 region's jurisdiction. These include wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, state parks, forested lands, and major waterways. Applicants must be able to follow written and verbal instructions, and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Applicants must be able to establish positive working relationships with co-workers and the public. Applicants must be comfortable communicating with dissatisfied visitors and helping to resolve the situation. Applicants 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. Applicants must have basic computer skills: email, word processing, internet use, spreadsheet development

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.