Range Conservationist

Overview
Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is hiring for one (1) full-time, term position with benefits to serve in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.  These positions are part of a collaborative effort among MACD, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and local partners to further the delivery of rangeland conservation. This position will maintain and/or expand technical assistance capacity in key rangeland focal areas to strengthen working ranchlands management. Employees will work with private landowners in Montana to increase the sustainability and economic viability of ranches while simultaneously improving the habitat for sage grouse and other rangeland dependent wildlife.  The incumbent will be an employee of MACD with daily instruction and leadership provided by the local NRCS District Conservationist. On average, over the whole year, this position is 40% field work and 60% office work. For more information about these positions and MACD, visit: https://macdnet.org/

Duties

• Provide technical assistance (range conservation and biology focus) and guidance to landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and others. Training will be provided by NRCS and partners.
• Coordinate the implementation and application of range biological sciences within the conservation programs in cooperation with the local NRCS District Conservationist, BLM, and other agencies.
• Provide monitoring, producer follow up, and technical assistance to producers implementing prescribed grazing plans, and removing conifer encroachment on lands benefiting sage grouse and other grassland birds.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contracts/plans for applicants enrolling in USDA conservation programs or other state and local rangeland conservation programs for the protection, restoration and enhancement of rangelands.
• Coordinate and participate in field work activities for rangeland conservation project implementation.
• Provide technical assistance for soil health benefiting habitat for grassland species.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including public education and outreach.
• Perform forest and conifer encroachment inventories and implement forest and grassland improvement prescriptions. Applicants are not expected to possess forestry skills prior to applying as there will be ample opportunity for on-the-job training.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Experience with range inventory procedures.
• Knowledge of range science and wildlife ecology, including the ability to develop prescribed grazing plans that include range management objectives.
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rangeland Science or Wildlife Biology/Management from an accredited university with an emphasis on developing prescribed grazing systems and course work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into range management systems.
• Knowledge of computer skills is required, and applicant should be familiar with Word and Excel.
• Experience using GIS and GPS software such as ArcPro, Avenza, or Field Maps is beneficial, but additional training will be provided
• Physical ability to; stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain; lift and move material weighing up to 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

The requirements listed in this job announcement are guidelines, if you meet 70% or more of these qualifications, we encourage you to apply.  Other job experience and skills will be considered, and some on-the-job or professional training can be provided.