Biologist

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Biologist. This is a Biologist 3 position in the Resources Section of the Environmental Services Bureau. The position is commonly referred to as State‑wide or District Biologist and is responsible for a large geographical area up to and including the entire state. The position is responsible for conducting in‑depth independent biological analyses and technical review to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with MDT’s transportation program.

This requires preparation of scientifically and legally defensible reports and summary analyses to document findings. This position serves as the Department’s authority on all natural resource issues including natural resource management, evaluation, impact analysis, mitigation, permit applications, and regulatory compliance related to planning processes and all preconstruction, construction and maintenance projects and activities. The position serves as the Department’s liaison and negotiator between regulatory agencies and MDT bureaus and involves highly complex, controversial, and precedent‑setting environmental issues.

The position also serves as liaison to non‑governmental organizations and citizens groups with respect.

For a full job description, please contact HR Generalist, Sarah Peterson at sjpeterson

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
  • For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).#values
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

A Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Botany, Wildlife/Fisheries Sciences, Ecology, or a related natural resources field is required.

This position requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience with natural resources; preferably with a natural resource professional firm, organization or agency/department. Basic knowledge of engineering principles and civil engineering practices is beneficial, but not required.

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.

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

• Knowledge of the theories, concepts, and principles of environmental resource management; conservation biology (stream, wetland, fisheries, wildlife), transportation ecology, plant and animal taxonomy, hydrology, soils, groundwater discharge/recharge, ecology, botany, research methods and techniques, scientific documentation
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of highway construction, engineering and design
• Knowledge of state, federal and tribal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, orders, and agreements
• Skilled in remaining objective in controversial social and politically sensitive situations; effectively determining impacts by balancing engineering and scientific theories and practices within regulatory requirements; being flexible while coordinating a large number of projects and changing priorities simultaneously
• Skilled in preparing timely, concise professional correspondence and reports

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an…