Native Species Coordinator

The Native Species Program within Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’s Fisheries Management Bureau is responsible for coordinating and implementing the state’s native species management program, including developing conservation and recovery plans and strategies for individual native species and native species assemblages; providing oversight on federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues; coordinating implementation of conservation agreements and restoration plans; and coordinating management and conservation actions with local, state, and federal management agencies, watershed groups, and landowners. Conservation of native fish species is an important component of the Department’s mission and mandate but must be coordinated with other Department priorities and functions, including sport–fish management.  Successful implementation and coordination of the native species program helps to ensure Montana’s natural wildlife heritage is preserved, along with other important social, biological, and cultural values. 

The primary focus of this position is to collaboratively develop and coordinate implementation of statewide management plans and agreements for native species and native species assemblages to maintain healthy, viable populations of all native fish species throughout their historical range in Montana, including their habitat.  The position is also involved with funding aspects of many native species programs, including grant acquisition, agreement development, and budget management.  Native species management issues must be coordinated with other fisheries management objectives, and they must take into account other social, political, economic, and land management considerations. Public input will be an important component of conservation plans and assessments.