Range Conservation/Minerals Resource Specialist

The State of Montana is hiring a Range Conservation/Minerals Resource Specialist in Helena, MT. This role involves managing mineral leases, conducting field inspections, and ensuring compliance on State Trust Lands. The specialist will work with the Minerals Management Bureau to maximize financial gains for Trust Beneficiaries. Candidates need a relevant bachelor's degree and one year of experience, along with a valid driver's license.
Range Conservation/Minerals Resource Specialist - (25140720)

Department Overview:

The Minerals Management Bureau (MMB) and the Area Offices provide program administration and management for the 6.2 million acres of school trust mineral estates, including lands underlying navigable waterways. In fiscal year 2024, annual gross revenues generated by the MMB contributed over $42 million to the division. Revenue for the common schools and other endowed institutions is generated through issuance of leases, licenses and permits authorizing individuals and companies to explore, develop and produce various minerals (coal, oil & gas, metalliferous and non-metalliferous). These various agreements require payment of fees in the form of rentals, bonuses, and royalties. The MMB monitors compliance with agreement requirements, both in terms of payment of proper revenues to the state, and proper operational and reclamation activities on the ground. The MMB also provides database management and development for the division's Trust Land Management System.

Job Overview:

The Minerals Resource Specialist assists the Minerals Management Bureau's Petroleum Engineer in evaluating, implementing and monitoring the activities of Mineral lessees and licenses on State of Montana School Trust Lands, through the duties delegated to the Bureau from the State of Montana Board of Land Commissioners. The Minerals Resource Specialist works closely with Bureau staff and field staff to ensure the successful implementation of projects and programs to achieve the obligation of securing the higher and most beneficial financial gain to the Trust Beneficiaries.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):
• Management of New Well and Facility Proposals and Land Use Licenses
• Communication Agreement (CA) Reviews
• Oil & Gas Lease Sale Preparation
• Field Investigations, inspections & enforcement regarding compliance, operation, reclamation and abandonment activities.
• Issuing Seismic Permits
• Issuing Gravel Permits

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE:
• Cover Letter
• Resume

TIP: When attaching your requested material, you must mark the attachments as "relevant".

BENEFITS:
• Health Care & Benefits
• Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays

For any complete job description or any questions regarding this position, please contact Becky Quick at 406-444-6673 or at Rebecca.Quick@mt.gov.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
• Bachelor’ degree in wildlife science, environmental science, range science, park management, national resources or a closely related field..
• One (1) year of job related experience
• Other combinations of education and professional experience may be considered.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Special Information: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card". The State of Montana does not sponsor.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $ 30.95 - 30.95 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

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date: Mar 26, 2025, 2:01:24 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Apr 14, 2025, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Becky Quick | Contact Email: rebecca.quick@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-6673