Herder- Elk Game Damage

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

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

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 is ongoing until filled. 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 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.

Specific Job Information:

FWP is seeking a herder to help with a game damage situation that is being caused by elk coming into agricultural fields on a private landowner's property resulting in lost crops and negative impacts to his operation. Most of the game damage is occurring from the evening to early morning hours, as a result of that, the work will occur primarily in the dark requiring use of lights and potentially an ATV.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for responding to landowner requests for assistance with game damage as directed by the local biologist or warden.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

Under the direction of the local biologist or warden this position will implement a response plan to a landowner’s request for assistance. This position may evaluate the success of the response and the local biologist or warden may adjust to the response plan accordingly.

Other duties may include detailed documentation (to include GPS technology) of wildlife presence and response to herding. In situations where other management tools are being applied (game damage hunts, stack yard fencing, kill permits, etc.), this position may assist in the delivery, instruction, maintenance, retrieval, or implementation of these tools.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

To address dynamic situations, this position typically works alone in isolated outdoor scenarios including rugged or snow-bound terrain often in inclement weather and most usually in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. These circumstances require the position be able to walk and work in rugged terrain and snow and to withstand extreme temperatures and wind. This position may be required to ride horses, ATVs or other vehicles. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

This position must be independently capable of working in isolated and rugged outdoor settings in all weather. This requires the ability to dress appropriately and to navigate the landscape without getting lost or trespassing on private lands without permission. Must be able to walk and ride/maintain horses, ATVs, or other vehicles. To be effective at moving wildlife this position must know, understand, and anticipate how and when wildlife use the landscape and how best to interrupt or prevent this use.

This position must also be able to effectively communicate with private landowners, hunters, and other members of the public.