Range & Land Use Scientist I — Conservation Innovator

State of Montana; Miles City (MT); On-site; USD 37,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave & holidays

Retirement plan

Flexible spending accounts

Military leave with pay

Job summary

The Range Conservation Scientist 1 - Land Use Specialist position with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is based in Miles City. You will manage state trust lands, evaluate grazing practices, administer leases, and coordinate land-use actions within the Eastern Land Office region.

You will perform site inspections, monitor mineral development, and support GIS tools and emergency wildfire responses, while preparing reports and collaborating with lessees and agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a natural resource management field (Range Management, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Ag Business or Agriculture)
• Two years of progressively responsible administrative and professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage state trust lands to support responsible resource use and meet department goals.
• Evaluate grazing and agricultural practices, provide guidance to lessees, and monitor land conditions.
• Administer leases and review proposed land uses, improvements, easements, and access requests.
• Conduct site inspections and environmental reviews to assess impacts and ensure compliance with laws, policies, and agreements.
• Monitor mineral development, reclamation, and noxious weed management activities.
• Investigate violations, recommend corrective actions, and help resolve land-use conflicts.
• Prepare reports and agreements, maintain records, and collaborate with lessees, agencies, and the public.
• Support GIS tools, wildfire response, and other assigned activities.

Skills

Water law & policy

Organizational leadership

Public speaking

Stakeholder facilitation

Negotiation

Education

B.S. in natural resource management

Tools

GIS software

Job description

The Range Conservation Scientist 1 - Land Use Specialist position with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is based in Miles City. You will manage state trust lands, evaluate grazing practices, administer leases, and coordinate land-use actions within the Eastern Land Office region.

You will perform site inspections, monitor mineral development, and support GIS tools and emergency wildfire responses, while preparing reports and collaborating with lessees and agencies.