JOB DESCRIPTION

The Public Lands Transportation Fellows Program provides a paid 18-month opportunity to work on key visitor transportation issues at National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) under the mentorship of staff of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Through service at a USFWS unit and region/field office, the Fellow will work to facilitate transportation planning or implementation projects and help develop transportation solutions that preserve valuable resources and enhance the visitor experience. The Fellow will be hired as an employee of the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University and will receive orientation, professional development opportunities, and mentorship from WTI staff. The USFWS will provide an onsite supervisor and workspace at the NWR.

The fellows will be hired to serve at one of three National Wildlife Refuges including:

• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minnesota
• Tualatin River and Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuges in Sherwood & Gaston, Oregon
• Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Responsibilities

• Fellows will support projects identified in a Refuge Access Plan.
• Assist in developing and improving wayfinding tools (e.g., maps and signage).
• Support grant writing efforts.
• Conduct stakeholder outreach and engagement.
• Build community support for local projects.
• Shadow the USFWS Regional Transportation Coordinator (RTC).
• Participate in a rotation at USFWS Headquarters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a field relevant to the position with demonstrated interest, experience or coursework focused on developing transportation solutions.
• Experience and knowledge of common spreadsheet, presentation, graphic, and database tools, as well as GIS or other mapping tools.
• Demonstrated experience organizing and prioritizing multiple work assignments, meeting deadlines and exercising adaptability with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to details.
• Demonstrated experience relevant to assessing transportation needs, evaluating and identifying priorities, and modifying or developing new approaches to solve transportation or access management challenges.

Additionally, Fellows who meet Public Land Corps Service eligibility requirements and complete their assignment will be eligible for federal non-competitive hiring status for two years following the completion of their fellowship. To be eligible for this benefit, applicants must be 30 years old or younger at start of employment (or veterans up to 35 years old) and be US citizens or permanent legal residents.

Application review will begin December 15, 2025 and continue until all positions filled.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

BENEFITS

Positions include a full benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance and paid time off.

BENEFITS

Positions include a full benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance and paid time off.