The Montana Stockgrowers Association is currently seeking applicants for the Director of Natural Resources position. If you have extensive knowledge of Montana agriculture, enjoy advocating on behalf of Montana’s ranchers, and want to be a part of an invested team, this could be the role for you.

Reports to: MSGA Executive Vice President

Oversees organizations natural resource divisions, represents MSGA at the state legislature, serves as the executive assistant for Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD), and the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC).

MONTANA STOCKGROWERS ASSOCIATION (MSGA)

• Formulate, institute, and monitor policies, programs, and issues related to natural resources that are affecting the cattle industry.
• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President in representing MSGA interests at the Montana legislature.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and performance of all natural resource department programs, activities and services, ensuring that program goals are being met.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Membership and the Director of Marketing and Communications on natural resource issues updates to MSGA membership and social media platforms.
• Monitor state and federal agencies meetings and activities to provide necessary input that advances MSGA policies, programs, and issues:
  • Environmental Quality Council
  • Board of Environmental Review
  • Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission
  • State Land Board
  • NRCS Technical Advisory Committee
  • Board of Livestock 

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF STATE GRAZING DISTRICTS (MASGD)

• Serve as Executive Assistant for MASGD Board of Directors.
• Analyze and monitor regulatory activities of state and federal agencies impacting livestock management on federal and state lands.
  • Including, but not limited to BLM planning process documents.
• Submission of detailed comments representing the livestock industry on regulatory or legislative actions.
• Oversee departmental operations including business planning and budget development.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, memos, dues invoices, and related documents as needed for MASGD.
• Plan all necessary arrangements for MASGD meetings and events.
• Represent MASGD on range tours, natural resource related meetings, and field activities that have a focus on grazing management.
• Attend grazing district annual meetings and provide updates. 
• Provide assistance to the MSGA EVP in representing MASGD and grazing interests at the Montana legislature.
• Establish and maintain communications strategy with Grazing Districts.
• Coordinate activities with the Montana Grass Conservation Commission.
• Assist grazing district members with issues affecting individual state or federal grazing permits.
• Actively promote the establishment of new grazing districts.
• Coordinate with staff of the National Public Lands Council regarding national issues.
•  Responsible for MASGD Membership database development.

MONTANA PUBLIC LANDS COUNCIL (MPLC)

• Monitor and engage in state and federal agency actions impacting livestock grazing permittees use of public lands.
• Submission of detailed comments representing the livestock industry on regulatory or legislative actions impacting federal or state lands.
• Assist in representing MPLC and public land interests at the Montana legislature.
• Provide general administrative support for MPLC.
• Plan all necessary arrangements for MPLC meetings and events.
• Maintain a database of all federal grazing permittees in the state.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of the MPLC Membership Marketing Strategy.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, memos, dues invoices, and related documents as needed for MPLC. 
• Oversee departmental operations including business planning and budget development.
• Provide communication strategy for MPLC members on public land issues.

OTHER DUTIES

• Staff support for MSGA Standing Committee.
  • Provide administrative support for the committee chairman and vice chairman.
• Additional duties as assigned by MSGA’s Executive Vice President.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Director of Natural Resources is expected to demonstrate professional skill and sound judgment, while enhancing working relationships with local, state and national partners. Successful applicants will have the ability to manage multiple priorities. A background in livestock or agricultural practices and legislative experience is preferred. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or experience in a related field.  Successful candidates should have strong organizational skills, communications skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. 

This is a full-time position based in Helena, MT.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Beth Emter at [email protected]. The application deadline is June 19, 2020.