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The Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University is looking to hire three Public Lands Transportation Fellows for 18 month positions at one of three National Wildlife Refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

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

Applications will start being reviewed on December 15; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool is established and the positions are filled. 

The 2026 Public Lands Transportation Fellows Program provides paid opportunities to advance the transportation workforce by attracting our next generation of public stewards to the field of transportation— through unique opportunities for career development and public service on key visitor transportation issues. Fellows work closely under the coaching and mentoring of staff of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to facilitate transportation planning or implementation projects for transportation solutions that preserve valuable resources and enhance the visitor experience. Through service at a unit and region/field office, fellows are invited to incite innovative change in our transportation systems and environmental lands management through significant contributions that advance cost-effective sustainability. 

As an entry level transportation professional with the Public Lands Transportation Fellows (PLTF) program, you will work on real-world challenges and implement solutions that make a lasting impact in public lands. This program pairs transportation fellows with a National Wildlife Refuge where you will be provided a unique opportunity to gain a wide array of experiences and exposure to a range of projects such as improving transportation access, fostering community partnerships, and solving critical, unit specific transportation challenges. The Western Transportation Institute will provide orientation, professional development opportunities, and transportation mentors to fellows.

This job will empower you to follow your passion and incite innovation, while expanding your transportation expertise, exploring what is it like to work with leaders at multiple levels of a federal agency, building a network of transportation and public lands professionals, and participating in unique experiences only found at a National Wildlife Refuge (past examples include bird banding and leading public events). Transportation fellows who complete their assignment will be eligible for federal non-competitive hiring status for two years following the completion of their fellowship.

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.
  • Willingness to relocate to assigned location
  • Be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens of the U.S.*
  • Be 30 years of age or under by the start date (or 35 years for veterans)*

*Requirement for the non-competitive eligibility

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.

Montana State University 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.

Your Role and Locations:

More detailed information on the three National Wildlife Refuges and fellowship program can be found here: Public Lands Transportation Fellows Program. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/49261