Launch Your Career in Conservation: Rangeland Management Specialist at the BLM
Are you passionate about the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and public service? The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently accepting applications for Rangeland Management Specialists in Havre, Lewistown, and Miles City, Montana. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the health of our Nation’s vast public landscapes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Rangeland Management Specialist, your work will be diverse and highly consequential. You will act as a consultant and primary liaison between permittees and field-office leadership. Key responsibilities include:
- Resource Assessment: Conducting field studies to analyze rangeland health and grazing allotment status.
- Interdisciplinary Leadership: Working with teams of experts to draft environmental assessments and protective stipulations.
- Planning: Designing vegetation treatments and range improvements that align with multiple-use goals.
- Compliance: Ensuring that grazing activities adhere to federal regulations and ecological sustainability constraints.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet both the series-specific education requirements (the Individual Occupational Requirement) and the specific grade-level criteria for GS-05 through GS-11.
Comparison of Qualification Paths
| Path | Minimum Education | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-05 | Bachelor's Degree in Range Management or related science | None required |
| GS-07 | 1 Year Graduate Education | 1 Year specialized GS-05 equivalent experience |
| GS-09 | 2 Years Graduate Education | 1 Year specialized GS-07 equivalent experience |
| GS-11 | Doctoral Degree (or equivalent) | 1 Year specialized GS-09 equivalent experience |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $40,736 to $97,087 annually, depending on your experience and the assigned grade level. In addition to salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Focus on Detail: When describing your experience, always include the hours worked per week and specific dates.
- Resume Formatting: Keep your resume strictly under two pages and use at least a 10-point font.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts are included if you are using education to qualify. Official transcripts will be required upon selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the 'Full Performance Level'? A: The full performance level for this role is GS-11. While you may be hired at a lower grade, you have the potential to advance as you gain experience and demonstrate your ability to perform higher-level duties.
Q: Can I apply for multiple locations? A: Yes, the position is open in Havre, Lewistown, and Miles City, Montana. Ensure you specify your interest in your application package.
If you are ready to apply your technical knowledge of soil, plant, and animal sciences to real-world land management challenges, this role with the BLM is your ideal path. Protect our natural heritage and join a team that values stewardship and sustainable development. Apply by November 23, 2026, to ensure your materials are considered.
Why This Rangeland Management Specialist Job Matters
Protect the legacy of America’s public lands as a Rangeland Management Specialist. Apply your passion for conservation and ecology to help shape the future of Montana’s diverse ecosystems.
Rangeland Management Specialist Job Overview
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking dedicated professionals to join our team in Havre, Lewistown, or Miles City, Montana. As a Rangeland Management Specialist, you will serve as a key consultant and advisor, managing the sustainable use of public grazing lands. This role is ideal for those who enjoy field-based work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on resource management, balancing the ecological health of the land with the needs of local stakeholders.
Requirements for Rangeland Management Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period
- Background investigation and favorable adjudication required
- Direct deposit of salary is mandatory
- Must pass E-Verify employment verification
- No active real estate licenses or financial interests in firms holding rights on Federal Lands
Preferred Qualifications for Rangeland Management Specialist
- Experience in range inventory and field data collection
- Expertise in livestock grazing management and ranch operations
- Knowledge of invasive species management and ecosystem restoration
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams
- Superior Academic Achievement (GPA 3.0+ or upper 1/3 class standing) for GS-05/07 entry
- Advanced graduate coursework or a Ph.D. in a related scientific field for higher GS levels
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with promotion potential to GS-11
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Rangeland Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Rangeland Management Specialist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages) highlighting your specific hours worked per week and grade/rank history.
- Gather supporting documents including official/unofficial transcripts and veteran preference documentation.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required attachments before the closing date of November 23, 2026.
- Check your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard periodically.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly states if experience was full-time (40 hours/week) or specifies hours for part-time work.
- Do not include photographs in your resume or documents.
- Proofread to remove any offensive or inappropriate language.
- Submit your transcripts early to ensure they meet all format requirements (e.g., must include GPA and school name).
- Clearly distinguish your duties and time spent at each grade level if you have previous Federal experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I don't have a background in rangeland management?
You must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the 0454 series, which requires specific semester hours in plant, animal, and soil sciences, or a related degree.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is onsite. Telework is generally only authorized during specific emergencies or natural disasters.
What is the promotion potential?
The position has a career ladder with a full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is not guaranteed and is based on performance, supervisor recommendation, and work availability.
Job from Bureau Of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management, an agency within the Department of the Interior, is tasked with the stewardship of America’s public lands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands for the benefit of current and future generations. Working with the BLM means joining a team dedicated to responsible land use, habitat conservation, and fostering community relationships with the permittees who rely on these resources.