Program Specialist - Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager

Job Overview

Program Specialist 2 – Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager ) is a full‑time position within the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) that leads statewide planning and implementation of Montana’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program. The Program Manager drives efforts to help communities manage and enhance their urban forest resources through financial assistance, technical guidance, training, and strategic partnerships while ensuring alignment with the Montana Forest Action Plan and the USDA Forest Service UCF grant program.

• Program Management and Implementation: Lead statewide planning and execution of the UCF Program, support community forest management through strategic programming, technical assistance, and financial support.
• Technical Assistance and Outreach: Serve as DNRC’s subject matter expert, provide technical, educational, and professional support to staff, partners, and communities statewide, and strengthen partnerships with tribal nations, the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Association, and other organizations.
• Program Administration: Administer all program resources, ensure effective operations, fiscal accountability, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Supervision: Directly supervise two UCF Service Foresters and a Grant Management Specialist, provide recruitment, training, performance management, and project oversight for field staff contributing to UCF initiatives.

• Online State of Montana application
• Resume – Include all work experience relevant to this position
• Cover Letter – Describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will make you successful in this role

• Work/life balance
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• A vibrant Employee Assistance Program
• State of Montana employment may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether or not you may qualify.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in arboriculture, forestry, or natural resources required. Minimum of 3 years managing 2 people or more in a professional or business setting. Must be willing and able to be a certified arborist or attain the certification within 1 year.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and possess a valid driver’s license with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent 36 months.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the selected person must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license, U.S. passport, or green card. The State of Montana does not sponsor.

In the event another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training assignment details are contained in the job posting and will be communicated in writing upon hire.

Hourly $37.28 – $37.28. 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.

1

Standard

Day Job

Yes, 25 % of the Time

Missoula – Agency:
Department of Natural Resources & Conservation – Union: 000 – None

Feb 4 2026, 5:56 PM (Closing Date: Feb 26 2026, 6:59 AM)

Stacey Gabrio | Stacey.

Gabrio | 406‑444‑3309

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.