Regional Information & Education Program Manager

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

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

 - Resume

 - Cover Letter

  - 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 March 22, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

 Special Information:

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 releases 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.

 Telework: You must reside in Montana (or move to Montana) to accept this position. In this position you will be afforded the opportunity for limited telework and must be based at the regional headquarters in Kalispell.  Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy.

Position Overview

Regional offices are the local hub for FWP’s fisheries and wildlife management, state parks, law enforcement support, conservation education, public communication, and hunting and fishing license sales. They are the primary source of information on regional recreation opportunities and the base for hunter, bowhunter, trapper, aquatic, and general conservation education programs.

The Regional Communication and Education Program Manager leads regional communication and education for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, overseeing all regional communication efforts, and conservation and outdoor education programming. The person in this position has close connections with local media, a keen sense of FWP outreach needs, and exceptional skills in developing strategic messaging plans and creating the necessary content to execute those plans. This position serves as regional spokesperson and works with staff to share information about events, projects, public comment opportunities, and regulatory changes. The manager supervises permanent staff and a large network of volunteers and contractors and coordinates citizen and stakeholder engagement to build public understanding, support, and meaningful involvement in FWP processes.

As a member of the regional management team, the manager contributes to regional and statewide decision-making and helps anticipate and address controversial or high-profile issues affecting fisheries, wildlife, parks, and recreation. The position also reviews and improves information prepared by regional staff for public use and coordinates media and communication strategies across divisions and programs to ensure consistent, accurate, and accessible messaging.

Essential Responsibilities

Communication and Public Affairs

·         Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies

·         Create communication content for all messaging platforms

·         Design strategic communication plans in collaboration with regional and statewide staff for emerging and controversial issues

·         Cultivate and maintain relationships with regional stakeholders and media contacts

·         Coordinate radio/television interviews and public presentations

·         Coordinate with statewide communication staff on broader impact issues

Education

·         Organize and implement regional hunter, bowhunter, trapper, and aquatic education programs

·         Recruit, train, and manage 75-150 volunteer instructors and work with other education contractors

·         Deliver education programs to various community groups and schools.

·         Coordinate classroom and field programs with teachers and community groups

Administration and Regional Management

·         Coordinate regional Citizen Advisory Committee and public work groups

·         Serve on regional management team, collaborating on communication strategies

·         Participate in statewide working groups as assigned

Supervision

·         1 full-time employee: Customer Service & Education Technician

·         Multiple contracted employees: Education program instructors (varies by region)

·         75-150 volunteer instructors: Hunter, Bowhunter, and Trapper Education programs

Education and Experience 

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a master’s degree in communications or education with coursework in fish and wildlife biology, parks operations and management, plus 3+ years of related experience. Other combinations considered case-by-case basis.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate excels at public affairs communication (strategic messaging, communication planning, media relations, public speaking), education (program management, volunteer coordination, curriculum delivery), leadership (team building, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement), and public service (commitment to Montana's citizens and natural resources). Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage complex, sometimes controversial issues with professionalism.