State Director, Montana​/Dakotas

Position Overview

The position is located in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the Department of the Interior and reports to the Deputy Director for Administration and Programs.

• The State Director serves as the on‑site extension of the Director of BLM, carrying out broad management responsibilities on a state level.
• The incumbent establishes statewide program goals and priorities that meet economic and social demands while ensuring prudent conservation and protection.
• The incumbent recommends new efforts or policy changes to the Director/Deputy Director.
• The incumbent provides executive leadership and direction for all Bureau actions within the state(s) in line with bureau, departmental, and administrative objectives and policy.
• The incumbent serves as the focal point for the Bureau at the State Office level, engaging in meaningful tribal consultation and meeting statutory obligations; it also raises public awareness of Bureau programs and coordinates with key officials in affected federal agencies, state, county, and local governments, private landowners, corporations, special interest groups, and involved individuals.
• The incumbent advocates and leads the BLM State program’s commitment to automation by supporting and implementing the Bureau's Automation/Modernization/IRM initiatives. He or she develops long‑range objectives and establishes guidance to ensure the use of automation in mission accomplishment.
• The incumbent develops, correlates, and executes resource management, technical support, and administrative management programs within the State Office jurisdiction in accordance with broad national policies and delegations of authority from the Director/Deputy Director.

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation/determination.
• Newly appointed SES members must serve a one‑year probationary period.
• Public Financial Disclosure (OGE‑278) filing within 30 days is required.
• Position may require pre‑ and post‑employment drug screening.
• Selections are subject to Department approval. Initial appointments to the SES must undergo an ECQ‑based structured interview with OPM.
• Male applicants must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirements.
• Agencies must request OPM approval to appoint current or former (within five years) Executive Branch political appointees to permanent competitive service, non‑political excepted service, or career SES positions.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and dedicated to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a two‑page resume (maximum) that demonstrates possession of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs). Only the first two pages of the resume will be reviewed.

• TQ 1: Executive Leadership in Statewide Public Land and Resource Management – demonstrated ability to lead and integrate complex statewide programs involving minerals, lands, range, watershed, wildlife, recreation, forestry, engineering, and cadastral survey while balancing conservation, development, economic needs, and diverse stakeholder interests.
• TQ 2: Strategic Direction, Policy Implementation, and Intergovernmental Collaboration – proven experience establishing statewide program priorities; directing implementation of national policies; resolving highly sensitive land‑use issues; and engaging effectively with federal, state, tribal, local governments, industry, special interest groups, and the public to ensure responsible and transparent resource management decisions.

• ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government and commitment to uphold the Constitution.
• ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency – demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage…