Program Supervisor - Lewistown Unit Manager

The Lewistown Unit Manager at the State of Montana oversees departmental programs and field activities, ensuring compliance with natural resource management laws. Responsibilities include personnel supervision, budget management, and managing trust land for revenue optimization. The role involves investigating land use violations, acting as a decision-maker for the Montana Environmental Policy Act, and representing the department in various meetings. A bachelor's degree and four years of experience in natural resource management are required.
About the position

The Lewistown Unit Manager is a key supervisory role within the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), responsible for overseeing all departmental programs and field activities within the Lewistown Unit. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of natural resource management, as the manager will administer activities related to the Forestry and Trust Land Division, ensuring that all operations align with established goals, policies, and procedures. The manager will utilize their expertise to achieve objectives while maintaining compliance with federal and state laws. In addition to administrative duties, the Lewistown Unit Manager is tasked with personnel supervision and budget management, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff. The manager will also be responsible for managing trust land to optimize revenue for beneficiaries while safeguarding the resources. This includes investigating violations of land use agreements and taking necessary enforcement actions. The manager will act as the principal decision-maker for the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) within the unit and will represent the department in meetings with various agencies, industries, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The role also encompasses agricultural, grazing, minerals, and real estate management, where the manager will conduct evaluations, permitting, inspections, and manage recreational use of trust lands. The position includes direct supervision of two Range Management Specialists, ensuring that all team members are effectively addressing issues within the programs administered by the unit. The Lewistown Unit Manager plays a crucial role in the stewardship of Montana's forests and lands, contributing to the mission of the DNRC to benefit current and future generations.

Responsibilities
• Administer activities of all Forestry and Trust Land Division programs within the Lewistown Unit.
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• Perform personnel supervision and budget management for the Lewistown Unit.
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• Ensure a safe working environment for Lewistown Unit personnel.
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• Manage trust land to produce optimum revenue for trust beneficiaries while protecting resources.
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• Investigate violations of land use agreements and take enforcement action.
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• Act as the principal MEPA decision maker for the Lewistown Unit.
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• Participate as a Department representative in meetings with other agencies, industries, and NGOs.
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• Ensure compliance with USDA farm programs.
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• Act as the Line Officer for fires within the Unit and support the County Cooperative fire program.
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• Supervise billing, reception, and transfer of revenue.
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• Maintain Lewistown Unit records.
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• Conduct agricultural and grazing lease field evaluations and implement corrective actions as needed.
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• Conduct mineral development permitting and inspections.
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• Manage land sales, exchanges, and right of way management.
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• Oversee recreational use of Lewistown Unit trust lands and conduct commercial lease administration.
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• Implement weed management strategies.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife biology, fire management, recreation management, range science, or a directly related field.
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• Four years of related natural resource management experience, including program management and supervisory responsibilities.
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• Completion of DNRC Line Officer training within one year of employment.
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• Experience in land management, including agriculture, grazing, and mineral lease administration.
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• Physical ability to perform fire line officer duties.
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• Ability to complete field work independently in rough terrain and all weather conditions.
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• Ability to work administratively within a wildfire environment.

Nice-to-haves
• Master's degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience.
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• Experience in managing recreational use of trust lands.

Benefits
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
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• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
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• Retirement Plans
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• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.