Job Description

Executive Secretary - ( 23143498 )

Work Unit Overview: The Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD), within the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is responsible for providing technical and financial assistance to local governments, state agencies, and private citizens for conservation, development, protection, and management of the state\xe2\x80\x99s natural resources. The Montana Grass Conservation Commission (MGCC) is allocated to the department of administrative purposes only as provided in 2-15-121. The commission shall, if it determines that personnel services are required, hire its own personnel, and 2-15-121(2)(d) does not apply. The secretary must be employed at the discretion of the commission. The MGCC was created by the legislature in 1999 to assist in carrying out the purposes of the Grass Conservation Act of 1939, act in an advisory capacity with the boards of county commissioner and supervise and coordinate the formation and operation of state grazing districts. State Grazing Districts are nonprofit, cooperative associations of ranchers who raise livestock. Grazing Districts work to conserve, protect, restore and ensure the proper use of Montana\'s grass, forage, and range resources. Districts work with federal and state land management agencies to promote cooperation where land ownership is diverse. The MGCC Districts help stabilize the livestock industry and protect ranch operations that depend on the availability of supplemental rangeland. The MGCC has quasi-judicial, quasi-legislative, and policymaking functions to accomplish legislatively delegated functions which includes protection of the range, orderly use, safeguarding the domestic livestock industry, and protecting dependent commensurate properties. The authority of the MGCC is pursuant to Montana Code Title 76, the federal Taylor Grazing Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and the Public Rangeland Improvement Act. The MGCC has an MOU with the Bureau of Land Management to uphold and execute the provisions of these authorities. It is important that the secretary of the commission understands these authorities and the unique role of the MGCC in order to best serve the directors of the commission in executing those duties and responsibilities to our constituency. Job Overview: This is a modified position funded by fees collected from grazing districts as well as General Fund. This position will support and coordinate all areas of the operations of the MGCC under the direction and time frames established by the (MGCC) Montana Grass Conservation Commission Board of Directors. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent. Commission Administration and Development:

• The Executive Secretary shall be responsible for all activities and products in support of the MGCC.
• This position will provide technical and administrative support to the Commission which is primarily responsible to provide guidance, assistance and supervision to MGCC Grazing Districts under 76-16 MCA.
• Have a working knowledge of contested case procedure as it applies to grazing district law and assist the director of a state district with the submission of records of the state district to the commission for the purpose of aiding an investigation conducted by the commission.
• Prepare and standardize the various forms to be used by the state districts and supervise the organization and operation of state districts.
• Aid the MGCC in prescribing methodologies to be used for the relocation of grazing preference within cooperative state grazing that may no longer have access to historical records.
• Aid the MGCC in forming new districts and facilitate mergers of districts where the districts want to merger. Help state districts update their bylaws, addressing any problems unique to an individual district in accordance with state grazing district law.
• Create a Grazing District Directory for general distribution and posting on MGCC website and establish a database for each grazing district.
• Market grazing districts by providing education and outreach to various organizations who may not be familiar with Grazing Districts.
• Track the federal register and stay apprised of Department of Interior rules and regulations which may impact the grazing administration in the state and advise the directors of the rule.
• Understand and assist the directors in executing any MOUs which the MGCC has with state or federal entities.

Budget and Financial Functions:

• Assist MGCC with budget preparation. Budgets shall be forwarded to DNRC/CARDD to be entered into the state accounting system (SABHRS).
• Submit fee notices annually to the districts and track payment of fees. Fees collected shall be forwarded to DNRC/CARDD to be deposited in Grazing Districts Fees state special revenue account 02433.
• Aid the MGCC in standardizing financial and billing forms unique to each district.

Other Duties as Assigned: Examples may include pursuing grant opportunities to implement grass conservation measures for the districts and attending annual or regular meetings of the state grazing districts. Supervision: This position does not supervise All applicants must submit the following (only electronic materials will be accepted):

• Cover Letter
• Resume

HELPFUL HINT: You must check the \xe2\x80\x9crelevant document\xe2\x80\x9d box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. DNRC Benefits:

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) \xe2\x80\x93 Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify!

If you have any questions or would like to review the job description for this position, please email Makayla Mangold at makayla.mangold@mt.gov.


Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in natural resource related discipline.
• Two years of experience with office administration, board/executive support, fiscal management, and program administration.
• Other combination of education and experience may be a substitute.

MGCC is most interested in candidates that have the minimum qualifications and have experience applying that knowledge in conservation programs interacting with a public of various backgrounds, ages, and engagement levels. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Five years of working knowledge of grazing districts. This may include a working knowledge of state and federal grazing district law and/or operation of an individual grazing district.
• Competent written and oral communication skills including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Competent computer skills. Experience using computer software such as MS Word, Excel and online meeting platforms such as Teams and Zoom.
• Ability to use tact, courtesy, poise, alertness, and good judgment in public contacts and to work cooperatively with multiple partner organizations.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and tasks and overseeing contracts and contractor work performance.
• Experience working with a for-profit or non-profit organization is an acceptable equivalent.
• Experience collecting fees or dues payments and accounting for funds received.
• Attention to detail for planning meetings and events.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and independent judgment within established procedures.

Special Information: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver\'s license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver\xe2\x80\x99s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".


Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment : Not Applicable



Salary: $ 30.08 - 30.08 Hourly
Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible
Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan



Number of Openings : 1
Employee Status : Regular
Schedule : Full-Time

Shift : Day Job
Travel : Yes, 10 % of the Time



Primary Location : Terry


Agency : Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
Union : 000 - None



Posting Date : Nov 27, 2023, 3:50:25 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer\'s timezone): Dec 6, 2023, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Resume



Contact Name : Becky Quick | Contact Email : Rebecca.Quick@mt.gov | Contact Phone : 406-444-6673