Recreation 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

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.

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.

Job Duties:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), through its employees and citizen commission and board, provides for the stewardship of Montana's fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations.

The Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR) Division manages visitor use and recreation at state parks, fishing access sites, and wildlife management areas; river recreation; access for hunting, fishing, and other recreation on public and private lands; shooting range development; and trail and shooting range grant programs. The regional recreation manager is part of the POR Division and serves on the regional leadership team. The position reports to the Regional Supervisor and is responsible for implementing division recreation programs, policies, priorities, and day-to-day site operations and visitor services in the region.

This role oversees staff and operations at state parks, fishing access sites, and other FWP sites in Region 1 to provide a high level of customer service to Montanans and visitors. The manager works closely with internal colleagues and external partners, including other agencies and sovereign Indian nations, user groups, landowners, and industry.

Essential responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and lead approximately 26 regional recreation staff including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, and performance management. This position has 4 direct reports and also oversees intern, volunteer, and docent programs.
• Plan, organize, and manage visitor use and recreation at state parks, fishing access sites, and other sites to meet visitor expectations and conserve fish, wildlife, cultural, and heritage resources.
• Set standards for and monitor site operations; recommend and implement new projects, visitor services, and improvements.
• Administer regional recreation program budgets, monitor fee collection, adjust expenditures to stay within budget, and pursue revenue opportunities through fee compliance, concessions, enterprise products, and grants. Provide budget recommendations to regional and division leadership.
• Ensure compliance with operational policies, permitting and leasing requirements, and applicable laws for recreation operations and capital development projects.
• Oversee commercial use permits, concession contracts, and agreements with private businesses and consultants providing recreation services and programs.
• Participate in rulemaking for public use of department-managed sites and in prioritizing land acquisitions, easements, and leases for recreation and access.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment and manage reporting of employee accidents and injuries consistent with department policies.

Work environment and special requirements

This position involves both office work and rigorous outdoor work under adverse weather conditions and irregular hours, with approximately 25% travel and frequent weekend and evening work; work is typically accomplished without immediate supervision. Most evening and weekend work is focused during the peak recreation season, balanced by the opportunity to take leave during the off season.

Interviews for this position will be held the week of July 13th.

Required qualifications

Education and experience

• Master's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in human resource, fiscal, and parks and recreation management; or
• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field, plus seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resource, fiscal, and parks and recreation management.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Supervision, performance management, leadership, and team building.
• Customer service and a strong desire to serve the public.
• Fiscal and budget management for complex programs.
• Park and recreation laws and rules, emergency response, incident management, and public/employee safety and risk management.
• Negotiation, public relations, and strong written and verbal communication with both public and internal audiences.
• Agency laws, rules, policies, administrative guidelines, and state and federal laws for working in waterways.
• Outdoor recreation and access management, resource protection, and Montana history.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a Bachelor's Degree in Park Management, Resource Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field and at least 2 years of job-related experience.  Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case  basis.