Entry Level Wildlife Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

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 is open until it is filled. 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.

Effective June 22, 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, https://www.e-verify.gov/ 

Specific Job Information:

This is an approximately eightmonth, fulltime seasonal position (1260 hours per year). Weekend and holiday work may be required.  Primary duties focus on maintenance tasks within the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area, with periodic assignments to larger regional projects or maintenance needs at Fishing Access Sites and State Parks within the unit. The Beartooth WMA encompasses 35,174 acres at the northeast end of the Big Belt Mountains and provides critical winter range for elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. From May 15 to December 1, it is heavily used for hunting, horseback riding, camping, hiking, and other recreation.

This position is based at Beartooth Wildlife Management Area. The incumbent will spend approximately 75% of their time on the WMA and will be required to stay onsite from April through November. Housing is provided in the WMA bunkhouse. The Maintenance Worker 1 is part of the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division and serves as a member of the Regional Maintenance Team, reporting to the Helena Maintenance Team Supervisor. The position performs a wide range of routine maintenance and groundskeeping duties, including the upkeep of buildings, grounds, facilities, roads, and trails.

This position plays a critical role in supporting the maintenance and operation of Fish Wildlife and Parks sites. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a team atmosphere with other regional maintenance staff.

It requires an individual capable of identifying maintenance needs and able to adapt workflows to mitigate for public impacts.

Primary responsibilities:

• To perform routine and emergency maintenance.

• Cleaning and sanitizing restroom and vault latrines, picnic tables and BBQ grills. Cleaning of site infrastructures boat/swimming docks, picnic shelters, sidewalks, interpretive displays, and signage.

• Daily inspection and reporting of hazards, maintenance and repair needs.

• Collecting trash from cans, beaches, stream and riverbanks, trails and along site right-of-ways.

• Mowing of grasses, roadway ditches, tree pruning and string trimming.

• Operate and maintain equipment, such as mowers, string trimmers, atv/

• utv's, saws, trailers, backpack blowers.

• Building, maintaining, and repairing fences, gates and trail systems.

• Habitat projects identified by the Wildlife Biologist.

• Noxious weed control, to include trimming, hand pulling and application of herbicides under the supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and or Maintenance Worker 2.

• Routing maintenance of facilities, painting, vault latrine repairs, roofs, kiosk signage, stripping of parking lots and gravel road repairs, hazard trees removal.

• Employee must keep accurate detailed records of assigned duties and submit them into a maintenance record program in a timely manner.

• May collect fees and occasionally educate visitors of rules when applicable.

• Participate in annual and scheduled trainings including First Aid and CPR, and safety meetings. Must be aware of safety hazards associated with the job, and proper use of all Personal Protective equipment at all times.

• Other duties as needed.

Work Conditions:

• Work is performed outdoors in all seasons, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.

• Must be able to lift and carry 30-50 lbs. regularly, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods

• Travel within Region 4 is common, with occasional overnight stays for remote projects.

• A valid driver's license is required.  This is an entry level position and does not require a degree or diploma.  Students are encouraged to apply.  The successful applicant will be provided with field training to gain familiarity with the sites and associated tasks.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• The incumbent will primarily work independently without presence of a direct supervisor. They should be able to achieve and maintain a high level of quality work performance.

• Strong initiative, reliability, and commitment to safety and ethical conduct.

• Effective communication skills and a professional demeanor when interacting with the public.

• Working knowledge of general maintenance and construction practices, including:

• Carpentry, plumbing, irrigation and small engine repair.

• Safe use and maintenance of hand tools and power equipment.

• Proficiency with spreadsheets and basic computer programs for reporting and documentation.

• Familiarity with invasive species management and land stewardship practices is a plus.

Ideal Candidate:

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on, outdoor work, is mechanical and takes pride in maintaining public land for recreational use. The successful candidate will be adaptable, dependable, and capable of managing a diverse workload in a dynamic environment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong initiative, reliability, and dedication to safety and ethical conduct.

• Effective communication skills and a professional, courteous demeanor when interacting with the public.

• Practical knowledge of general maintenance and construction practices, including carpentry, plumbing, irrigation, and small engine repair.

• Safe operation and maintenance of hand tools and power equipment.

• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with spreadsheets and digital reporting tools.

• Familiarity with invasive species management and land stewardship practices is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalency and 1 year of job-related experience.   Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.