Throughout the week many varying opinions of the hatchery and its operations arose. Some of us had no problem with the place and actually loved the idea of putting more fish in the waters for the sportsmen out there and for the betterment of…
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- Clark Fork Coalition - Missoula, MT
- Description of Organization: Founded in 1985, the CFC is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Clark Fork River Watershed, a 22,000 square mile area supporting 35,000 people in western Montana and northern Idaho. CFC’s work is supported by a staff of 11, a volunteer board of 15 and 2,700 members. Their methods are science-driven and results-oriented with an emphasis on public engagement through energetic outreach at the community level.
Physical Location: The position will be based in downtown Missoula, Montana
Watershed: Clark Fork Basin
Description of Area: The Clark Fork watershed drains nearly the entire western portion of Montana, and is home to over a third of Montana's population. The river and its tributaries – including the Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Flathead Rivers - have important biological, economic, and cultural impacts in the Northern Rockies. By volume, the Clark Fork is Montana's largest river, traveling 320 miles from Butte to Lake Pend Oreille before joining the Columbia River.
Nature of Project: Member will develop water education projects for agricultural and urban landowners, as well as elementary and high school students, in the Bitterroot, Upper Clark Fork, and Rattlesnake watersheds. Member will strategically build existing outreach projects into a cohesive education program to compliment advocacy and restoration tools. These projects include: Hands on the Ranch, an experiential program that engages high school students in stream assessment, monitoring skills, and hands on restoration work; Living Near Streams, a continuing education course through the Montana Board of Realty Regulation; as well as several outreach forums that teach landowners the “how” and “why” of stream restoration.
Requirements: Well organized, energetic and outgoing member who is skilled at the detail management needed to successfully implement outdoor and classroom events. Excellent written and oral communications skills, and fluent in Excel and Word. Basic GIS understanding and web design/maintenance a bonus.
Benefits: CFC’s office is a dynamic, interactive space located in the exciting college town of Missoula. Member will interact with professionals from a variety of diverse organizations and travel around the scenic Clark Fork Watershed, including the CFC’s Dry Cottonwood Ranch in historic Deer Lodge, Montana and to the Bitter Root Water Forum office in Hamilton, Montana. Missoula, a bike friendly community, is a gateway to numerous recreation opportunities like fishing, hiking, hunting and skiing.
- Madison Watershed Partnership - Ennis, MT
- Description of Organization: MWP is a working collaboration comprised of the Madison Conservation District, the Madison River Foundation, and the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group. The partnership works to promote common ground projects and address issues of mutual concern including water conservation, water quality protection and enhancement, range and soil conservation, fisheries and wildlife management, land use planning, and conservation education and outreach.
Physical Location: The position will be based in Ennis, Montana
Watershed: Madison
Description of Area: The Madison watershed originates in Yellowstone National Park and continues for 130 river miles to the confluence with the Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri River. The area of focus is the middle Madison watershed, a montane valley between the Madison Range on the east and the Gravelly and Tobacco Root Mountains on the west.
Nature of Project: Member will expand existing watershed education and outreach opportunities for adult and youth community members, strengthen existing and develop new volunteer programs, support and complete data collection and analysis pertaining to weed infestations and water quality, develop new opportunities for conservation work for private landowners and build the capacity of the organization through the development of an effective communication and marketing program for member organizations.
Requirements: Background in natural resources and/or environmental sciences and education. Knowledge of water quality monitoring, equipment and scientific writing. Knowledge of program development and management, volunteer recruitment and grant writing. Adept at Microsoft Office programs and Arc GIS.
Benefits: Ennis is a quaint town in the heart of fly fishing country, adjacent to historic Virginia City and in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park. Known for its open space and high quality wildlife and natural resources, the Madison Valley is an area of spectacular beauty and outstanding recreational opportunities. Urban amenities in Bozeman, including Montana State University, are less than an hour drive away. MWP will strive to secure housing within minimal distance to conveniently located office complex.
- Montana Audubon Conservation Education Center - Billings, MT
- Description of Organization: The Audubon Center promotes the appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through high quality conservation education programs for all ages. The Center has been expanding rapidly since opening its doors in 2009. Currently it offers education programs for schools, home school groups, families and adults, in addition to public camps, afterschool and preschool classes.
Physical Location: The position will be based at the Center in Billings, Montana
Watershed: Yellowstone
Description of Area: The Audubon Center lies in the heart of the 72,000 square mile Yellowstone River Basin and within minutes of the urban center of Billings. A partnership between the Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA) and Montana Audubon made the center possible. Located on a former gravel pit, the 54 acre site is being restored to native riparian habitat and is used as a regional hub for place-based experiential learning.
Nature of Project: Member will assess opportunities and barriers for the involvement of middle school classes in programs at the center. S/he will work with teachers and principals to develop an Audubon Naturalist in the Schools (ANTS) watershed education module that incorporates field trips and in class lessons, develop age-appropriate education lessons and coordinate service projects and/or research projects which focus on riparian habitat and water quality. S/he will also assist with developing and leading programs for the public.
Requirements: Background in natural resources, environmental sciences, natural sciences, education and/or outdoor recreation and experience working with youth in educational settings. Exceptional interpersonal skills, self-motivated, familiarity with Microsoft Office and Word Press.
Benefits: The Center is situated on 54 acres of riparian habitat bordered by 6 acres of private land and 115 acres of city-managed park land. Beautifully situated along the Yellowstone River, the Audubon Center includes three ponds for scientific research and exploration, and connectivity to the growing greenbelt trail system, an island on the river, and City parks – all within driving distance of major city amenities, the spectacular Beartooth Mountains and world class fly fishing on the Bighorn River.
- Trout Unlimited: Montana Water Project, Bozeman - Bozeman, MT
- Description of Organization: The TU Montana Water Project, founded in 1998, has a track record of achieving measurable outcomes in the realms of water law and policy, as well as restoration project implementation. They measure progress in terms of stream miles restored and connected, and changes to water law and policy that enhance conservation initiatives in harmony with working agricultural landscapes.
Physical Location: The position will be based in Bozeman, Montana
Watershed: Upper Yellowstone in South Central Montana
Description of Area: Member will work with TU and 2 watershed groups. The Shields Valley Watershed Association covers an area of 543 square miles or approximately 347,520 acres. Private land ownership constitutes 80 percent of the area; land use is primarily agricultural. The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Basin is 653,698 acres located south of Livingston along Yellowstone National Park. If opportunities arise, Member may extend activities to the Big Timber Creek watershed draining the southeast flank of the Crazy Mountains north of Big Timber, MT.
Nature of Project: Member will focus on 1) cultivating relationships with local community members and conducting a survey to identify agricultural issues and values and potential watershed improvement projects 2) collecting data to inform project selection and implementation 3) writing grants to implement restoration projects and 4) assist watershed groups in planning and implementing youth and community education and outreach events.
Requirements: Fundamental understanding of agriculture, fish and wildlife conservation and hydrology. Good listening, writing, and speaking skills and a willingness to meet with individuals from diverse viewpoints. Possess or be able to learn technical skills including aerial photograph and map interpretation, data management, GIS, websites, water quality/quantity sampling.
Benefits: Members will attend professional development trainings (DNRC Water Rights Workshops) and meetings (American Fisheries Society). MWP personnel have employed a long list of summer interns who have successfully moved to professional positions. Bozeman is a bustling college town, close to skiing, hiking and biking opportunities, as well as numerous hot springs and Yellowstone National Park.
- Blue Water Task Force - Big Sky, MT
- Description of Organization: BWTF is a locally-led non-profit watershed group along the famous Gallatin River. The Task Force operates primarily in the Upper Watershed, covering the mountainous terrain upstream of the Gallatin Valley. BWTF focuses on the concerns of a developing community in and around the Big Sky Resort which is surrounded by pristine public lands.
Physical Location: The position will be based in Big Sky, Montana
Watershed: Gallatin
Description of Area: This watershed extends from the south, at the source of the Gallatin River in Yellowstone Park, to the north, where the river joins with the Madison and the Jefferson Rivers in historic Three Forks, Montana. It is bounded on the west by the Madison Range, on the east by the Gallatin Range, and on the north by the Bridger Mountains. The majority of the land in the upper watershed is publicly owned, which is unique compared to many watershed groups.
Nature of Project: Member will support and expand several initiatives including the Gallatin Rain Garden Initiative: developing and implementing curriculum and a demonstration garden, Septic Outreach Campaign: curriculum development, student led development of educational materials, and collaboration with companies to create homeowner incentives, Water Quality Monitoring Program: restructuring the program to connect with Missouri Headwater Partnership efforts, Hydrologic Data Collection and Dissemination: develop a new rating curve for real time streamflow station to provide scientifically credible data for restoration projects, and Local Partnerships: provide outreach programs and develop collaborative projects with local resorts including Moonlight Basin, Spanish Peaks, Yellowstone Club and Big Sky Resort.
Requirements: Background in watershed science or education preferred. Good communication, networking and leadership skills, outgoing and personable, creative, enjoy working with children. Ability to conduct fieldwork in potentially adverse weather conditions.
Benefits: BWTF will provide ski deals at Big Sky Resort, community connections for housing, and the opportunity to use a public bus system or carpool to work. Professional development opportunities include community partnership building, landscaping techniques to reduce stormwater run off and water use, hydrologic field data collection, curriculum development and implementation for K-12, grant writing and public relations.
- Montana Watercourse (MTWC) and the Greater Gallatin Watershed Council (GGWC) - MSU Campus, Bozeman, MT
- Description of Organization: MTWC produces quality, non-biased, science-based water education programs across the state. GGWC promotes conservation and enhancement of water resources in Gallatin County while supporting the traditions of community agriculture and recreation.
Physical Location: The position will be based on the Montana State University Campus in Bozeman, Montana
Watershed: Gallatin
Description of Area: The Greater Gallatin watershed, located in southwestern Montana, contains 1,122,139 acres and drains approximately 1,870 square miles. The Gallatin River joins the Madison and Jefferson Rivers at Three Forks to form the Missouri River at the downstream limit of the watershed.
Nature of Project: Member will enhance the efficiency and reach of water resource programs in the Gallatin Valley and throughout the state to 4 potential groups: 1) Watershed Groups/Coordinators/Professionals 2) Volunteer Water Monitors 3) K-12 and Undergraduate Students and 4) Landowners/General Public. Specific tasks include wetland integration program support, water monitoring/data collection, water rights training, curriculum development, public outreach events, fundraising and volunteer recruitment and retention.
Requirements: Background in environmental science, education, natural resources or related field. Self motivated problem-solver. Ability to: facilitate workshops, speak in public, & develop instructional strategies and materials; conduct research and compile findings in user-friendly format; manage, plan and implement complex tasks and events simultaneously. Demonstrated experience with: coordinating projects, facilitating community involvement, fundraising; computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and publishing software.
Benefits: Bozeman is a bustling college town close to outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, biking and skiing. Professional training opportunities will be provided on a per request basis with full registration and travel coverage (Watershed Symposium, Stormwater Conference, etc). GGWC has an active and diverse 13 member board that will also provide professional development opportunities in water quality monitoring, agriculture, policy, restoration and non-profit operations.
- Trout Unlimited: Clark Fork River Program, Missoula - Missoula, MT
- Description of Organization: TU’s Clark Fork River Watershed Program has 3 full time staff working on watershed restoration in the Bitterroot, Upper Clark Fork and Middle Clark Fork watersheds. TU state/national employees share an office in Missoula.
Physical Location: The position will be based part time in downtown Missoula, Montana and part time in the field remote streams, mine sites, irrigation diversions, and restoration projects.
Watershed: Clark Fork, with focus on the Ninemile Creek area.
Brief Description of Area:
Missoula is a university town in western Montana, known as much for its culture and sense of community as its surrounding rivers and mountains. Ninemile Creek is a small community located 20 miles west of Missoula and surrounded by the Lolo National Forest.
Nature of Project: Member will 1) participate in the planning and construction of stream restoration projects; 2) collect and synthesize data and write and edit reports; 3) develop relationships, plan outreach events and engage the community in the development of a Watershed Restoration Plan; 4) engage volunteers in the monitoring of restoration projects; and 5) work with a talented and hard working group of TU employees and partners to make things happen.
Requirements: Member must be energetic and motivated to learn, be in sound physical condition and comfortable in remote work locations. Desire excellent inter-personal skills, good written and verbal communication and ability to use a computer to organize and process information.
Benefits: Member will work closely with public and private resource specialists on diverse projects including volunteer trainings, monitoring and re-vegetation events, project planning and contracting, irrigation diversion inventories, fish and macro-invertebrate monitoring, construction oversight and project maintenance activities. Self starters will find opportunities to use their creativity and independence. Missoula is a bustling college town with great hiking, biking, boating, people watching and skiing opportunities.
- Watershed Restoration Coalition - Deer Lodge, MT
- Description of Organization: The WRC is a nonprofit working to restore water quality, fisheries, and wildlife while protecting the heritage and open spaces of the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. The WRC carries out its mission by working with landowners, stakeholders and agency representatives interested in implementing Best Management Practices and stewardship projects that conserve natural resources.
Physical Location: The position will be based in Deer Lodge, Montana
Watershed: Upper Clark Fork
Description of Area: The WRC encompasses 2 conservation districts, parts of 3 counties, and 33 major tributaries to the Upper Clark Fork River. Deer Lodge, the 2nd oldest town in Montana, is home to the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, the Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area, and is a gateway to a diversity of recreation opportunities. Area has both range and forest settings, as well as developed lands in Butte/Silver Bow Counties.
Nature of Project: Member will assist with a) assessments, inventories and the implementation of existing restoration projects b) the development of a Watershed Restoration Plan, c) the design of outreach initiatives to engage landowners and promote project development in key tributaries and d) submission of grants for new restoration projects. The WRC contains ongoing superfund activities and is the focus area for the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program.
Requirements: Self starter with degree in natural resources and emphasis in management and policy planning. Ability to work with members of the public in meetings and one on one is essential. Technical writing and editing skills desired, GIS a bonus.
Benefits: Work on cutting edge programs and projects with a diversity of professional public and private partners from fish passage, instream flow enhancement, forest stewardship, grazing management, riparian restoration, irrigation management and infrastructure improvement projects and more. Enjoy wilderness hiking, mountain biking, hunting and fishing, as well as the urban amenities of Deer Lodge, Butte and Anaconda including the Campus of Montana Tech, University of Montana. Discovery Basin ski area and Fairmont Hot Springs are only a short drive away. The WRC will assist the member in locating suitable housing.
- Blackfoot Challenge - Ovando, MT
- Description of Organization: Founded in 1993, the Blackfoot Challenge is using an inclusive, consensus based approach to coordinate efforts that conserve and enhance the natural resources and rural way of life throughout the watershed. The organization has seven standing committees led by an 18 member Board and supported by 6 full-time and 5 part-time staff, multiple contractors, and over 900 members.
Physical Location: The position will be based in Ovando, Montana
Watershed: Blackfoot
Description of Area: The Blackfoot Watershed of western Montana encompasses 1.5 million acres, extending from the Continental Divide westward for some 132 miles to its confluence with the Clark Fork River. This landscape lies within the only ecosystem in the lower 48 states with a full complement of wildlife that inhabited the area when the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled up the Blackfoot River in 1806. The watershed includes 6 distinct communities from the nordic center of Seeley Lake to the agricultural oasis of Helmville.
Nature of Project: Member will craft an Outreach Program that outlines strategies for local efforts, mentorship opportunities outside of the watershed, and the development of a cutting edge workshop for regional watershed professionals and national leaders to discuss elements of inclusive, community-based processes and principles for success that can be replicated. Member also will assist in the success of an ongoing Irrigation Efficiency Program and will design a Volunteer Recruitment strategy for the organization.
Requirements: Enthusiastic member who is a self starter and capable of working with diverse personalities and opinions in both urban and rural settings. Excellent communication skills, fluent in Microsoft Office.
Benefits: The nationally recognized Blackfoot Challenge is one of Montana’s most successful watershed groups. Their office is located in historic Ovando, a charming, small agricultural community an hour east of Missoula. Member will have the opportunity to travel throughout the watershed and take advantage of diverse professional development opportunities including tracking wolves with Range Riders, conducting fuels mitigation assessments, releasing wild swans with area school children, restoring spring fed streams and more. The Blackfoot is a beautiful, intact landscape with tremendous recreation opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including access to remote areas in Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness areas.
- Bitter Root Water Forum - Hamilton, MT
- Description of Organization: The BRWF was established in 1993 to preserve, enhance and restore the Bitterroot watershed through education and on the ground projects to ensure clean, abundant water for all. The BRWF is led by an Executive Director and an 8 member Board of Directors.
Physical Location: The position will be based in Hamilton, Montana
Watershed: Bitterroot
Description of Area: The Bitterroot Watershed is an area of 2,889 square miles located in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana. It is characterized by a wide valley and a meandering river channel with riparian forest and floodplain and includes high, glaciated mountains with alpine ridges and cirques at higher elevations and glacial and lacustrine basins at lower elevations. Elevations range from 10,131 feet atop Trapper Peak in the Bitterroot Mountain Range to 3,120 feet along the 60 mile free-flowing Bitterroot River.
Nature of Project: Member will develop a citizen-based water quality monitoring program and will recruit and train community volunteers as ‘streamkeepers’ in the Bitterroot to conduct inventories and collect pertinent data. Member will also work with area educators to craft youth-focused education and volunteer events that engage middle and high school students in experiential learning opportunities. Member will develop educational materials and presentations for community educational forums and sub-watershed informational meetings with landowners
Requirements: Dynamic, collaborative individual capable of new program development and implementation. Experience in education and outreach and able to learn new skills, including the calibration and use of water quality equipment. Member should be comfortable working with a diverse group of individuals, both adults and children, and in office/school settings as well as remote field locations. Adept at Microsoft Office programs.
Benefits: This is a paradise for people who love the outdoors, nature, gardening and community. Hamilton has both the small-town feel of rural Montana, and quick access to city services in nearby Missoula. The Bitterroot is a well loved, recreation mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Amazing mountain top views welcome the avid hiker, education opportunities abound at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, and skiing adventures await you at the Lost Trail Powder Mountain Park. Don’t forget horseback riding, flyfishing and much more!
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