Regional Fisheries Manager

Job Description - Regional Fisheries Manager (26141529)

Position Title:

Regional Fisheries Manager - (26141529)

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Resume, Cover Letter and References

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on June 28, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Interviews for qualified applicants selected for further consideration will be held on July 20, 2026.

Special Information:

Limited telework may be authorized with supervisory approval. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to northwest Montana. Primary reporting location for this position is the regional headquarters in Kalispell, Montana.

This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase of $1.00 an hour effective July 1, 2026.

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. 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).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

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

Position Overview

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), through its employees and citizen commission and board, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations. In support of this mission, the regional fisheries manager provides leadership and strategic direction for all fisheries management, habitat protection, and recreational access programs within FWP Region 1. This position oversees regional fisheries staff and programs to preserve, maintain, and enhance aquatic species and their ecosystems while meeting public expectations for high‑quality recreational fishing opportunities. The manager serves as the primary regional fisheries representative on interagency planning, regulation development, mitigation, and public involvement processes, ensuring that regional work aligns with statewide policies and objectives. This role provides essential leadership by delivering clear, collaborative, and effective communication with stakeholders, the public, partners, and internal staff. The regional fisheries manager also serves as a member of the regional leadership team and reports to the regional supervisor.

Essential Responsibilities

Regional Fisheries Management

• Plan, direct, and implement the regional fisheries management program in alignment with statewide objectives and regional priorities.
• Develop and adjust management strategies for wild fish populations and stocked fisheries, incorporating scientific data, angler use, and habitat conditions.
• Coordinate and approve regional fish stocking plans and management plans for major waterbodies and key species.
• Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of regional fisheries research and monitoring projects.

Aquatic Habitat Protection and Enhancement

• Review and comment on projects, permits, and land use proposals that may affect fish habitat (e.g., dams, diversions, road projects, subdivisions, and instream work proposals).
• Work with FWP's water program to manage instream flow water rights, reservations, and water management plans to protect fisheries.
• Identify and advance habitat restoration and enhancement opportunities in streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
• Investigate fish kills and coordinate with appropriate state and federal agencies on water quality and pollution issues.

Interagency Coordination and Public Engagement

• Communicate clearly and effectively while representing FWP fisheries interests in coordination with federal, state, tribal, local, and non‑governmental partners on water, land, and fisheries issues.
• Participate in statewide fishing regulation development, including scoping, proposal development, and public involvement processes.
• Attend Commission meetings, regional Citizens Advisory Council meetings, and other public forums to present information and recommendations on fisheries issues.
• Work with regional Information and Education staff to inform strategic prepare news releases and provide accurate, timely information to media and the public.

Program Administration and Leadership

• Supervise regional fisheries biologists and associated staff; provide direction, mentoring, performance evaluation, and support for professional development.
• Develop and manage regional fisheries budgets, work plans, and priorities; ensure compliance with funding requirements and timely completion of federal aid reports.
• Contribute to Fisheries Division strategic planning and participate as a member of the Regional Management Team to integrate fisheries priorities with other programs.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and model effective communication, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution.

Work Environment

This position splits time between mostly office work (planning, coordination, analysis, reporting) and occasional field activities (site visits, project reviews, monitoring, and on‑water operations). The schedule is variable and may at times require extended days and multi‑day trips, including work in remote locations across the region.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Education and Experience

• Master of Science degree in a biological science (such as fisheries, aquatic ecology, or related field) with coursework in limnology and fisheries.
• At least 5 years of post‑M.S. professional experience in fisheries, aquatic resources, public land management, or closely related research/management roles.
• Experience must include staff supervision, budgeting, program management, public presentations, and decision‑making on complex resource issues.
• Other combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered (e.g., B.S. with extensive, directly related field and management experience).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of fisheries biology, ecology, research methods, and population and habitat management principles.
• Familiarity with hydrology, river channel processes, limnology, statistical analysis, and scientific report writing.
• Experience working with a wide range of aquatic systems (large rivers, small streams, reservoirs, natural lakes, mountain lakes, and prairie streams).
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills, including setting goals, developing work plans, supervising staff, and managing performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non‑technical audiences and to facilitate meetings and manage conflicts.
• Proficiency with common office and analytical software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and relevant fisheries data tools.

Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Willingness and ability to work in office and field settings, including in and around water, boats, and electrofishing equipment, sometimes in adverse weather and hazardous conditions.
• Ability to work a variable schedule that may include evenings, weekends and overnight travel for meetings and occasional field work.

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: Not Applicable

Salary: $

42.77 - 42.77 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, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Kalispell

Agency: Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Jun 9, 2026, 1:45:13 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Jun 29, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name: Shelby Hughes | Contact Email: fwpemp@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-3024 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency''s 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.

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.