Access Program Specialist

Montana Department of Administration (DOA); Helena (AL); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

VEBA option

Job summary

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks an Access Program Specialist to assist the Access Manager in planning and directing access programs. You will work with staff, landowners, hunters and anglers to ensure program objectives are met, assist with budgets, data analysis and reporting, and maintain program records and materials.

The role emphasizes stakeholder outreach, coordination of materials, and support for all access programs with a focus on compliance and program improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management, Parks and Recreation Management, Education, Public Administration or Business Administration is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with program support and implementation across access programs including budget monitoring and reporting.
• Engage with landowners, hunters, anglers and partners to identify needs and opportunities.
• Identify improvements to programs and services and ensure compliance with guidelines, laws and regulations.
• Prepare reports and assist with biennial reporting on hunting and angling access programs.
• Maintain program records and databases and support printing/distribution of materials.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Overview

The Access Program Specialist assists the Access Manager to support, plan, and direct FWP's access programs like the Block Management Program and Private Land Fishing Access Program. The position supports all aspects of the programs including policies, program requirements, funding sources, budgets, data analysis, and reporting requirements. The position operates within established program guidelines and works closely with internal and external stakeholders including FWP staff, landowners, hunters, anglers and other stakeholders to establish and maintain public access opportunities.

Job Duties

Program Support and Implementation (80%)

• Assess programming and stakeholder needs to ensure that access program objectives are met. This may be accomplished by evaluating programs; surveying landowners, hunters, and anglers; and compiling input from regional access staff.
• Work with staff, landowners, hunters, anglers, and community partners to identify access program needs and opportunities.
• Identify, suggest, or implement improvements to programs and services.
• Assist with budget monitoring or development of program documents and approval of program expenditures.
• Review, interpret, and monitor compliance with program guidelines, laws, and regulations. Maintain operating procedures that align with rules and statutes.
• Assist with reviewing agreements and conducting investigations for complaints or suspected program violations of agreements.
• Prepare reports. This includes assisting with compiling data and statistics for biennial reports on hunting and angling access programs.
• Collect, tabulate, summarize and maintain program information, records, and maintenance of program databases (e.g., contract system ticket writing, testing) and integration of online reservation platforms.
• Assist with planning, administration, and implementation of all access programs and processes. This would include coordinating the printing and distribution of access program materials like longevity awards, guides, coupons, permission slips, and program signage templates.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach (20%)

• Maintain positive working relationships with staff and landowners to sustain long-term participation.
• Provide general program information and respond to staff and public inquiries.
• Plan and oversee stakeholder outreach activities. Work with other access staff and the Communication and Education Division to design and implement an outreach campaign for landowners.
• Provide presentations, training, or technical assistance to staff and stakeholders.
• Assist with coordination of activities for the Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee.

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 bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management, Parks and Recreation Management, Education, Public Administration or Business Administration and at least 3 years of job-related experience. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Salary

$31.38 - 31.38 Hourly

Telework Eligibility

Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Health and Additional Benefits

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).

Background Investigation

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Work Location and Telework Policy

You must reside in Montana (or be willing to relocate to Montana) to accept this position. In this position you will be afforded the opportunity to telework, however there will be required weekly in-office day(s) in Helena. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

E-Verify Policy

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Closing Date

This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on October 14th, 2026.

EEO Statement

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Kyle Lloyd

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Contact Phone: [phone]

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

Location and Schedule Details

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Union: 000 - None

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time