Manager of Access Program

Manager of PLWA’s Access Program Position Description

PLWA seeks an advocacy-oriented Manager of PLWA’s Access Program to oversee and manage access investigations in support of our mission to maintain and defend access to public lands and waters throughout Montana. Reporting to the Executive Director and working with a small team of dedicated staff, volunteers and Board, the Manager is the key staff member within the Access Program at PLWA. The Manager is responsible for cataloguing and responding to incoming complaints, overseeing data management, carrying out legal research involved in access investigations and overseeing volunteers to assist with those efforts. Other key duties include communicating work product highlights to staff, the Board and PLWA’s members and constituents.

Essential Functions

Access Investigations Management (60%)

• Responsible for overseeing, cataloging and responding to incoming access complaints through PLWA’s project management software (GoodDay, Excel, Access Issue Reporting System)
• Manage PLWA Access Program, working with PLWA’s legal advisors and the access committee to prioritize tasks with a growing caseload of issues
• Supervise volunteers to assist with researching deeds and land or road ownership records, perform site visits, and other tasks
• Build and maintain relationships with longstanding PLWA allies, partner organizations, and local communities to leverage local capacity for research and advocacy
• Provide regular summaries of work products for PLWA staff and the Board

Outreach & Education (25%)

• Produce and create content that summarizes, describes and illustrates relevant access issues for PLWA’s quarterly newsletter, social media and general communications to our constituents
• Leverage PLWA’s partnerships with other MT clubs and conservation organizations to inform local communities of ongoing access issues
• Provide guidance on access laws to the recreating public
• Educate volunteers on how to conduct access research
• Attend PLWA outreach events and represent PLWA when needed

Other Responsibilities (15%)

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, team building, and PLWA-sponsored events
• Participate in organization-wide planning, budgeting, and administrative tasks
• Produce annual work plans, fill out bi-weekly timesheets, and other reports and documentation when requested
• Project commitment to and professional enthusiasm about PLWA’s work and mission
• Assist with PLWA fundraising and grant writing efforts when needed

Skills and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a conservation related field (land use planning, natural resources policy, geography, etc.) or 4 years of relevant work experience
• Knowledge of the overarching public access landscape, laws and history
• Background in planning, land appraisals and title/deed research a plus
• Familiarity researching historical public records
• Ability to produce charts, graphics or other illustrative outreach materials
• Basic website editing knowledge or willingness to learn
• Willingness to travel throughout Montana
• Experience with spreadsheets, databases, and GIS applications
• Demonstrated commitment to conservation and public lands advocacy
• Exceptional communication skills: written, verbal, electronic
• Capacity to multi-task, stay organized & hit deadlines
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends for PLWA events or meetings
• Positive attitude, collaborative mindset and willingness to grow the position

Compensation, Benefits, Other

• Starting at 30 hours per week with potential for 40 hours per week after 6 months
• Annual salary of $50,000; negotiable depending on experience and qualifications
• Generous paid time off (starting at 13 days/year)
• Additional 15 paid holidays and sick leave provided
• Monthly health care reimbursement stipend available
• Flexible hours, hybrid work structure (combination of in-person and remote acceptable)
• Collaborative culture, support for professional development, growth, and learning

Working at Public Land & Water Access Association

Public Land and Water Access Association is an advocacy driven non-profit dedicated to maintaining and defending access to the boundaries of all Montana’s public lands and waters. PLWA was founded by some of Montana’s conservation giants, and we have a 40-year record of defending Montana’s access privileges. PLWA’s headquarters are in Bozeman, with a satellite office in Anaconda. PLWA is currently a staff of three and overseen by a board of nine. PLWA’s membership base is passionate and our organization is growing as the need for our work continues to expand and evolve.