Fisheries Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

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

Resume, Cover Letter and  References

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 June 28, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Interviews for qualified applicants selected for further consideration will be held on July 20, 2026.

Special Information:

Limited telework may be authorized with supervisory approval. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to northwest Montana. Primary reporting location for this position is the regional headquarters in Kalispell, Montana.

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.

Position Overview

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), through its employees and citizen commission and board, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations. In support of this mission, the regional fisheries manager provides leadership and strategic direction for all fisheries management, habitat protection, and recreational access programs within FWP Region 1. This position oversees regional fisheries staff and programs to preserve, maintain, and enhance aquatic species and their ecosystems while meeting public expectations for highquality recreational fishing opportunities. The manager serves as the primary regional fisheries representative on interagency planning, regulation development, mitigation, and public involvement processes, ensuring that regional work aligns with statewide policies and objectives. This role provides essential leadership by delivering clear, collaborative, and effective communication with stakeholders, the public, partners, and internal staff. The regional fisheries manager also serves as a member of the regional leadership team and reports to the regional supervisor.

Essential Responsibilities

Regional Fisheries Management

• Plan, direct, and implement the regional fisheries management program in alignment with statewide objectives and regional priorities.
• Develop and adjust management strategies for wild fish populations and stocked fisheries, incorporating scientific data, angler use, and habitat conditions.
• Coordinate and approve regional fish stocking plans and management plans for major waterbodies and key species.
• Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of regional fisheries research and monitoring projects.

Aquatic Habitat Protection and Enhancement

• Review and comment on projects, permits, and land use proposals that may affect fish habitat (e.g., dams, diversions, road projects, subdivisions, and instream work proposals).
• Work with FWP's water program to manage instream flow water rights, reservations, and water management plans to protect fisheries.
• Identify and advance habitat restoration and enhancement opportunities in streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
• Investigate fish kills and coordinate with appropriate state and federal agencies on water quality and pollution issues.

Interagency Coordination and Public Engagement

• Communicate clearly and effectively while representing FWP fisheries interests in coordination with federal, state, tribal, local, and nongovernmental partners on water, land, and fisheries issues.
• Participate in statewide fishing regulation development, including scoping, proposal development, and public involvement processes.
• Attend Commission meetings, regional Citizens Advisory Council meetings, and other public forums to present information and recommendations on fisheries issues.
• Work with regional Information and Education staff to inform strategic prepare news releases and provide accurate, timely information to media and the public.

Program Administration and Leadership

• Supervise regional fisheries biologists and associated staff; provide direction, mentoring, performance evaluation, and support for professional development.
• Develop and manage regional fisheries budgets, work plans, and priorities; ensure compliance with funding requirements and timely completion of federal aid reports.
• Contribute to Fisheries Division strategic planning and participate as a member of the Regional Management Team to integrate fisheries priorities with other programs.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and model effective communication, problemsolving, and conflict resolution.

Work Environment

This position splits time between mostly office work (planning, coordination, analysis, reporting) and occasional field activities (site visits, project reviews, monitoring, and onwater operations). The schedule is variable and may at times require extended days and multiday trips, including work in remote locations across the region.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Education and Experience

• Master of Science degree in a biological science (such as fisheries, aquatic ecology, or related field) with coursework in limnology and fisheries.
• At least 5 years of postM.S. professional experience in fisheries, aquatic resources, public land management, or closely related research/management roles.
• Experience must include staff supervision, budgeting, program management, public presentations, and decisionmaking on complex resource issues.
• Other combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered (e.g., B.S. with extensive, directly related field and management experience).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of fisheries biology, ecology, research methods, and population and habitat management principles.
• Familiarity with hydrology, river channel processes, limnology, statistical analysis, and scientific report writing.
• Experience working with a wide range of aquatic systems (large rivers, small streams, reservoirs, natural lakes, mountain lakes, and prairie streams).
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills, including setting goals, developing work plans, supervising staff, and managing performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and nontechnical audiences and to facilitate meetings and manage conflicts.
• Proficiency with common office and analytical software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and relevant fisheries data tools.

Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Willingness and ability to work in office and field settings, including in and around water, boats, and electrofishing equipment, sometimes in adverse weather and hazardous conditions.
• Ability to work a variable schedule that may include evenings, weekends and overnight travel for meetings and occasional field work.