Recreation Site Technician

State of Montana • Billings, MT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL. Please remember to attach the required documents Cover Letter, Resume and References listed in this announcement. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process . The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on March 1, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site. Special Information: Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association). A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply. These two Recreation Technician positions will primarily be located at Cooney Reservoir State Park with some responsibility for other selected FWP sites including Fishing Access Sites (FAS). The positions run from approximately May to September as a seasonal permanent position. The positions will be based at Cooney Reservoir State Park located in Carbon County. Cooney SP is a 300+ acre site with an emphasis on water-based recreation and camping. Visitation is very high in the summer months. Fishing, boating, birdwatching, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and many more outdoor recreation activities are offered at Cooney SP. Both positions will be supervised by the Cooney SP Recreation Manager and includes responsibilities at 10 Fishing Access Sites along the Stillwater River and West Rosebud Creek and Big Lake Wildlife Management Area in Stillwater County. Cooney State Park – Nestled in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains and south-central Montana is one of the most visited water-based recreation areas in the state. Part of the park’s success can be attributed to its proximity to the Billings area, just a 40-minute drive. Another reason is the phenomenal trout, perch and walleye fishing that draws anglers from both near and far. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, or jet-skiing, swimming, camping or just to get outside for some adventure or relaxation, Cooney State Park may become one of your favorite destinations too! The Recreation Technician position is a front line and provides general operational support of a variety of recreational offerings at state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and along river corridors. This can include day use areas, campgrounds, water access and amenities, historic sites, trail programs, park offices, visitor centers, and entrance gates, among others. The incumbent should be skilled in aspects of recreation management, including trail and park management, conflict resolution, stewardship, beautification, scheduling, customer service, and other administrative tasks.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions, and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to establish positive working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Must be comfortable communicating with dissatisfied visitors and helping to deescalate the situation.
• Must behave ethically and appropriately when serving visitors.
• Must have the ability to understand and effectively explain Department policies and regulations to the public. Ability to use tact, courtesy, poise, alertness, and good judgment in public contacts.
• Must have basic computer skills: email, word processing, internet use, spreadsheet development

Nice To Haves

• One year of college or vocational training experience in park and recreation management, interpretive visitor center, or closely related setting is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with natural and cultural resource management including historical and current issues. Must develop a working knowledge, including site location and available recreational opportunities for public recreational sites in the region’s jurisdiction. These include wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, state parks, forested lands, and major waterways.

Responsibilities

• Receive, count and remit fees, prepare reports.
• Collect data related to site use from vehicle counters or visitor surveys
• Operate POS cash register system (Point of Sale) and basic office machines
• Operate web-based reservation system
• Staff visitor center: front desk or visitor contact station, greet visitors, answer visitor questions related to site resources, facilities, and surrounding areas
• Sell merchandise such as firewood or other inventory and manage equipment rentals
• Assist campers with questions and campsite reservations
• Assist with interpretive programs and special events; may present talks, lead tours and hikes
• Perform public safety duties
• Monitor recreation sites by foot or vehicle; advise visitors of visitor use rules and regulations; report violations observed to superiors for follow up
• Monitor visitor use impacts on historical, cultural, natural, and recreational resource and advise visitors on best practices
• Provide emergency assistance or medical aid as appropriate within training
• Prepare incident reports
• Light-duty maintenance responsibilities including groundskeeping, janitorial services, and minor repairs.
• Provides assistance to persons with disabilities when needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance.
• Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.
• This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees