The person in this position will perform an essential role in the operation of Lubrecht Experimental Forest (LEF) and provides support to the operation of Bandy Experimental Ranch (BER) - LEF and BER are the field properties of the Montana Forest Conservation Experiment Station (MFCES) within the University of Montana’s Franke College of Forestry and Conservation (FCFC). LEF and BER serve the teaching, outreach, and research missions of the MFCES. Both properties are in the Blackfoot River watershed; the 28,000 - acre LEF is located 30 miles east of Missoula, and the 3,436-acre BER is 48 miles northeast of Missoula. Collectively the properties support > 20,000 extramural visitor-hours while also being actively managed for timber, grazing, and to serve as outdoor laboratories for the college’s students and faculty. The position exists as part of a team collectively focused on the successful management of LEF and BER, and hence the incumbent collaborates with colleagues in order to identify and address critical issues that affect the function of the MFCES field properties.

The position requires identifying the need for and performing the maintenance and repair of MFCES vehicles/heavy equipment and physical infrastructure, which range from developed facilities - MFCES has 59 physical structures (44 at LEF and 15 at BER) - to those associated with the forestlands and rangelands (gates, fences, roads, bridges, culverts, etc.). Although the position mainly supports LEF operations, the position provides similar mechanical expertise and technical assistance to BER as needed. Also required of this position is to oversee and schedule the maintenance of the FCFC fleet of vehicles located on the UM campus. The position provides occasional support to the LEF Forest Manager and the LEF Program & Facilities Manager that are beyond the position's primary scope, insofar as that support does not impair the position's primary duties. Expected tasks will range from simple routine maintenance to complex repairs and improvement projects. The position operates with a great degree of independence and is responsible for identifying and prioritizing tasks, developing weekly to annual work plans, and managing an annual budget. The person in this position will identify needs in consultation with other MFCES staff and will prioritize workload in a way that promotes efficiency in MFCES management.

1. Transportation/fleet: Maintain and service the diverse vehicle fleet at LEF, BER and FCFC, consisting of numerous on-road and off-road vehicles.
2. Facilities: Maintain and repair buildings, structures, and utilities at LEF - e.g., basic plumbing, electrical, and HVAC repairs.
3. Mechanic shop and yard: Organize, supervise, and ensure safe operation within the LEF mechanic shop and the adjacent equipment storage facilities and yard.
4. Equipment operator: Operate LEF equipment (i.e., snowplow, grader, bulldozer, etc.) and vehicles as part of annual and regular LEF camp maintenance.
5. Equipment and tools: Maintain, repair, and store equipment and tools.
6. Budgetary: Identify important elements of and track/manage an annual maintenance/repair budget.

• Lead and direct a multi-year facilities maintenance plan.
• Identify the maintenance and repair needs of a diverse set of vehicles, equipment, and facilities, many of which are greater than 20 years old and lack service records and repair manuals.
• Adapt to changing work duties, schedules, and time constraints on a frequent basis.
• Balance numerous demands and allocate time and effort strategically.
• Anticipate and coordinate the timely maintenance of numerous pieces of equipment
• The capacity for physical exertion needed to work under and around vehicles and heavy equipment while performing repairs and service.
• Comfort with heights and the ability to safely climb and work from ladders.
• Physical capacity and stamina to work outdoors during all seasons of the year and in adverse weather conditions that are typical of western Montana.
• Ability to lift moderate weights correctly and safely; ability to correctly use a vehicle lift in the shop environment.
• Ability to work with chemicals commonly used around a shop such as oils and lubricants, antifreeze, transmission and brake fluids, solvents, paint and paint thinners, glues and adhesives, pesticides.
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, electricity, and HVAC infrastructure with the capabilities to preform basic repairs.
• Ability to maintain water treatment equipment that services the LEF camp.
• Knowledge and proficiency with metal repair and welding, basic carpentry skills, and an understanding of routine use and maintenance of computers and small electrics.
• Willingness to work extended hours, keep on-call status, and respond with urgency to unexpected needs.
• Appreciation for working with University of Montana faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Position Number: 290220

Work Schedule: Full-Time, 1.0 FTE

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest– addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume– listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References– names and contact information

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).