Confluence Consulting Inc. is proud to be home to one of the largest and most innovative wetland teams in the Rocky Mountain West — but they are growing, and seek an energetic, ambitious, technically capable, and outdoor fun-loving new team member.

Based in Bozeman, Montana, Confluence is an industry leader in the study, design and management of aquatic and natural resources. For the past 25 years they have provided services to government agencies, private landowners, non-profits, and A&E firms nationwide. Their multidisciplinary team of natural resource professionals develops innovative, effective, and streamlined solutions for any aquatic resource problem.

The Senior Wetland Scientist is a permanent, salaried, full-time position, and supervised by Rich McEldowney, PWS, Confluence’s Wetland Group Lead.

The office is in Bozeman, Montana, often described as one of the best small cities to live in, especially for those who love the outdoors and appreciate the camaraderie of a vibrant mountain community. Confluence actively encourages a fun and positive work environment, with opportunities for growth, and personal and professional development.

As Sr. Wetland Scientist at Confluence, your capabilities and strengths should include:

• Wetland science experience in the inter-mountain western U.S.;
• Independent field work in all types of field conditions, often in remote locations, preferably in the northern Rockies;
• Supervision/mentorship of mid-level wetland scientists and field technicians;
• Federal, State, and local wetland/stream permitting;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Attention to detail.

NWF and partners are seeking to hire two Beaver Conflict Resolution Fellows to join the Western Water Team. As part of a small, high-impact team, these positions will work in partnership with local watershed groups, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Defenders of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management and other non-profits/agencies. The term of both positions will last from approximately May 2024-October 2024 and will be expected to work at least 30 hours per week.n If additional funding is secured, there is a strong possibility to extend this term, expand the scope of work, and/or rehire in 2025. This 6-month position offers $20.00-$23.00 per hour plus core benefits.

The Beaver Conflict Resolution Fellow positions will work to develop tolerance for beaver in FWP Regions 3 and 4, respectively (one Fellow in each region), and promote stream restoration by beaver and low-tech methods where appropriate. This work will include community outreach and education, hosting training events for local partners, and constructing targeted demonstration projects. This work requires specialized knowledge and skills in wildlife conflict resolution, and in techniques for non-lethal beaver management, as well as in building good relationships, credibility, and trust with landowners, agricultural producers and key agency partners like MT FWP, USFS, and local government.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Conservation Project Manager (CPM) at the Bitterroot Water Partnership will identify, develop, and implement restoration projects that measurably improve water quality, enhance aquatic and riparian habitats, and protect priority tributaries on both private and public lands in the Bitterroot watershed. By working closely with the Executive Director, the local agricultural community, and nonprofit and agency partners, the CPM will help the organization respond to the impacts of growth, development, and climate change, on water quality and water quantity, and be responsible for identifying water storage opportunities, advancing programs to ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, and designing projects that support the socio-ecological resilience of the watershed.

Duties include developing restoration projects to address current water issues or threats, writing and managing grants to fund projects, and overseeing project implementation, including budgets, subcontracting, construction oversight, volunteer management, and monitoring.

Projects range in size and scope from multi-mile road decommissioning work in partnership with the Bitterroot National Forest to small acreage riparian fencing with private landowners. Projects active in 2024 include road decommissioning in Rye Creek, sediment reduction in Willow Creek, and volunteer-based restoration and coordination throughout the watershed.

The Bitterroot Water Partnership (BWP) is seeking a dynamic and organized individual to join their team as an Administrative Coordinator. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless operations of the organization, directly contributing to conservation successes on-the-ground and within the community.

From managing calendars and correspondence to implementing efficient systems and policies, the Administrative Coordinator will ensure that the BWP operations run smoothly. Attention to detail will be critical in maintaining records, databases, and files. Excellent communication skills will support staff meeting facilitation and fostering a welcoming environment. The Administrative Coordinator will greet visitors, manage relationships, and tackle tasks with enthusiasm and professionalism, embodying the BWPs commitment to community impact.

River Ambassadors are part of a small seasonal team focused on improving public recreation experiences and protecting conservation investments in Missoula Valley rivers. River Ambassadors work is field based and outdoors. Ambassadors work at popular river access sites to provide assistance and information to the public about shuttles, parking, take-outs, floats, and best practices when spending time on the river. This position will serve a geographical area primarily focused on river access within 10 miles of Missoula’s urban downtown, including Milltown State Park, the Downtown river trail system, Kelly Island, and Maclay Flats. River Ambassadors will work on the land (primarily by bike and foot) and on the water (stand-up paddleboard, kayak, etc.)

The River Ambassador program is a collaboration between the Clark Fork Coalition (CFC), Missoula County, the City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and the Lolo National Forest. Ambassadors will report to the CFC’s Community Programs Manager. As part of a small, high-impact team, the Ambassador will play a significant role in delivering on-the-ground public outreach and building an informed and engaged recreation community who will advocate for, and support, sustainable river recreation in the Missoula Valley.

This position will be the fieldwork and coordination lead for a project in Northeast Montana aiming to understand how restoration activities influence microclimates and biodiversity in small riparian systems embedded within a matrix of temperate grassland and sagebrush steppe.

DUTIES:

1)    Program, deploy and monitor microclimate and bioacoustic sensors in mesic and riparian habitats embedded with temperate grasslands. 

2)    Conduct in-person trainings for staff of partner organizations on site-selection, deployment and data download from microclimate and bioacoustic sensors. 

3)    Receive training and participate in low-tech processed-based restoration. 

4)    Data management and preliminary analysis of bioacoustic and microclimate data.

The selected technician will also have the opportunity to work on secondary projects occurring in the same ecosystem, including projects focused on avian ecology and tracking and arthropod community sampling.

Compensation is $3,000 per month with a term of 12 months. Desired start date is June 1, 2024.  It is possible that there will be additional opportunities associated with this project after the conclusion of the 12mo term.

The Clark Fork Coalition is looking for a Communications Manager to lead its front-facing messaging and branding efforts. Reporting to CFC’s Development Director and working closely with the Development Special Events Manager, this position employs multifaceted approaches to engage diverse audiences in river care and advocacy. The Communications Manager ensures that CFC’s image and messaging across platforms are cohesive, inspired, and captivating. The Communications Manager plays an integral role on a high-impact and collaborative team, leveraging the power of compelling language and images to drive positive change. Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for CFC to maximize its impact and extend its reach within and beyond the watershed, this position is responsible for deploying holistic communications strategies that align with organizational objectives and enhance community investment. This role is pivotal in effectively and accurately shaping public perception and understanding of CFC’s work and the watershed’s challenges, health, and resilience–inspiring and mobilizing river advocates, seasoned and new, to invest in CFC’s mission of restoring and protecting the Clark Fork River and its tributaries.

These positions (three) are open until filled. The first review of applications happened February 9, 2024.

This position runs from late April through mid-September, with mandatory training in April. Hours of site operation will vary with length of daylight. Schedules will vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Inspectors are responsible for their own transportation to either the duty station, or to the watercraft inspection station. The watercraft inspection station is located at the Troy Rest Area.

Mandatory Training for this position will be held on April 16th and 17th. Station opening date is April 20, 2024.

This position is open until filled and first review of applicants happened February 9, 2024.

This announcement looks to fill one seasonal position. This position will work at watercraft inspections stations across Montana. A department vehicle is provided, and overnight travel is required. The Site Lead position assists the AIS Area Supervisors, the AIS Prevention Specialist and the AIS Prevention Coordinator in carrying out specified lead inspector duties and tasks at watercraft inspection stations to prevent the movement of AIS and educate the public on AIS and best prevention practices.

The Water Quality Monitoring Specialist oversees monitoring programs and projects, provides training and oversight for data collection activities, completes complex monitoring, and produces reports about the condition and trends of Montana’s streams, lakes and reservoirs. The position determines if waters are meeting Montana’s water quality standards, evaluates water quality trends and investigates influencing factors that affect water quality conditions. Responsibilities include: Compiling and analyzing information about watershed and waterbody water quality, stream channel and riparian conditions, land-use and sources; Identifying and characterizing specific causes and possible sources of pollutants and biological responses; Conducting the installation, calibration, maintenance of field instruments; Developing and managing projects and contracts; Writing reports, providing public presentations, and entering decisions and rationale into databases; Providing expertise about measuring the effects of pollution on beneficial uses; Assisting in public education about water quality; Develop standard processes and scientific guidance documents.