Seasonal Environmental Field Tech

The Montana Department of Military Affairs is hiring seasonal field technician(s) to assist with various natural resource related jobs and duties to support the Montana Army National Guard’s (MTARNG) Environmental Program (ENV).

ENV is responsible for managing and improving the natural resources on MTARNG property and mitigating impacts on MTARNG training areas. These positions will be based in Helena but will also work in the Limestone Hills area west of Townsend. The technicians will perform various field tasks related to the management of rangelands, invasive plant species, and fuels management. These positions will also assist with various wildlife surveys, perform equipment maintenance, input collected field data into databases and assist other programs within the ENV office, as needed.

Candidates need to be flexible and expect unpredictable daily work assignments as military training results in schedules and daily operations changing often.

Short-term employees may not work for more than 90-days in a continuous 12-month period and are not eligible for sick leave, annual leave, holiday pay or group insurance benefits.

Duties:

·         Performs the full range of duties involving non-native and noxious plant treatments, management, inventory, and monitoring.  Assignments involve the performance of technical tasks, which must be completed according to established protocols.  

·         Conducts early detection surveys and identifies invasive non-native plants using various field guides or botanical keys, surveys for target plants, collects and assesses data on infestation location and status, and treats invasive plant infestations. Treatments primarily involve hand-pulling, lopping, using backpack sprayers or ATVs to apply herbicides.

·         Applies herbicides using backpack sprayers or other equipment on a regular basis according to specific guidelines and under the guidance of a State of Montana licensed pesticide applicator. Performs basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications. Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment provided by the Environmental Program. May assist in the identification and release of biological control (insects) to achieve control of certain weed species.

·         Performs road surveys, road maintenance, and erosion/vegetation mitigation on remote sections of training area roads. 

·         Performs highly physical labor and daily hiking often to remote locations in rugged, steep terrain under possible adverse weather conditions.

·         Uses global positioning systems (GPS), aerial photographs, topographic maps, digital tablets, geographic information systems (GIS) data for navigation and/or data recording.

·         Assist with revegetation and ecological restoration projects such as broadcast seeding, shrub/tree planting, erosion control, and other land reclamation and rehabilitation issues.

·         Assists the natural resource managers with other range management activities such as fence construction and maintenance, wildlife habitat enhancements, wildlife surveys, and project documentation.

·         Assist with coordinating range management activities with contractors and Training Site personnel.

·         Assist with water sampling and other compliance related issues.

Must have demonstrated ability to work and engage in diverse working environments within and outside the Department.

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark your attachments as relevant):

·         Cover Letter

·         Resume

·         State of Montana Application

This position is 'open until filled,' with an initial review date of March 4th, 2026. 

Physical and Environmental Demands: This Position will spend the majority of the time outside doing physical labor in varying weather conditions common to summer in Montana. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., carry a 35 lb backpack while hiking in steep, rocky terrain, and exhibit good situational awareness while working on an active military training range.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: This Position requires a basic knowledge of environmental principles and procedures applicable to a wide range of duties in natural resource management and overall environmental program support. Must have basic knowledge of Montana native plant and bird ID, use of a dichotomous key, herbicide safety, basic experience with safe use of UTV’s and hand tools/power tools, and chainsaws. Must have familiarity using a GPS unit to collect field data and navigate to previously acquired data points. Certification in first aid and/or CPR a plus, but not required.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires a current driver’s license and a clean driving record.