Licensing Specialist

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

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 October 13, 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.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/

Specific Job Information:

The ideal candidate will excel in a fast-paced, high-volume contact center environment. This is fundamentally a call center position, with the focus dedicated to handling inbound phone inquiries. The Licensing Call Center processes between 45,000 and 65,000 calls annually. Alongside phone queues, this role requires processing various application types, managing inventory shipments to Ambassadors and Regional Offices, and completing other administrative tasks. To succeed, you must possess strong communication skills, thrive under pressure to meet tight deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively. We are seeking an independent, quick learner who can easily apply past experiences to new situations. Daily operations rely heavily on the Automated Licensing System (ALS). It is essential to learn and understand how the ALS functions, implement complex licensing procedures, interpret technical regulations, and formulate solutions to resolve customer issues. Additionally, because FWP is currently reviewing the existing system and building a new licensing system, the ideal candidate must be highly detail-oriented and capable of thoroughly testing new system functionalities. The ability to clearly communicate how a system should function is a key requirement. Exceptional communication skills are vital for engaging with both the public and internal teams. You must be friendly, collaborative, and able to work seamlessly with current staff and various other work units. The ability to communicate patiently and clearly with a diverse group of individuals, ranging from those who understand licensing processes to those completely unfamiliar with them, is essential.

Job Duties (includes but not limited to):

a. Licensing Operations:

• Supports operation of the department's licensing system. Coordinate with the department's Technology Services Division the implementation of the department's licenses system. Ensures that system operates in compliance with all Montana licensing laws, rules, policies and procedures.

• Identifies programmatic bugs or desired improvements, documents and elevates for management review. Ensure that all changes made relative to licensing issues are thoroughly tested and function as expected before being moved into the system's production environment.

• Research and answers agency, provider or other user questions related to operation of the department's licensing system.

• Provides guidance to users of the system to ensure correct and effective use. Help users identify any aspect of the system which can be beneficial in the performance of their job.

• Monitors and implements procedures for accurate and timely completion of special permits/license drawings.

• Participates in the development and incorporation of procedure and/or policy changes based on MCA and ARM requirements.

b. Public Information and Customer Service

• Provide technical assistance and training to department staff and license providers regarding licensing operations. Disseminate program information to the public to increase awareness of program services, ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and foster support and understanding of program objectives.

• Respond to inquiries and provide information and technical assistance regarding functions, authorities and responsibilities of the Licensing Bureau to the public to ensure they understand their rights and legal processes and facilitate the operations of the office. Including remaining current with legal and administrative requirements, researching licensing, hunting and fishing manuals, directories, books and guides and explaining rights and requirements in a clear and understandable manner.

• Assist the public and license providers in processing and submitting license applications and special drawing information. Interpret licensing processes, procedures and conduct research into special requests and functions and responsibilities of other department personnel to determine appropriate response.

• Deescalate conflict situations with angry or frustrated customers including use of empathy and by calmly and patiently explaining licensing procedures and special drawing processes, the authority and jurisdiction of the department and bureau by using conflict resolution techniques.

• Receive complaints and conduct initial complaint reviews, provide required notifications to the supervisor or other appropriate department staff, record complaints and mediating contentious and or confrontational situations with involved or affected parties (e.g., providers and applicants).

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Performs work indoors in a typical office environment with light lifting and extensive computer use. The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. May sit for extended periods. Some travel and extra work hours are required. Must be able to handle changing priorities and deadlines in a professional and effective manner. The incumbent may encounter periodic stressful occurrences such as short deadlines and working with angry and/or uninformed public. The incumbent must be capable of handling these situations as well as periodic stressful occurrences. Among the incumbent responsibilities is fulfilling license providers requests for department materials such as boxes of hunting/fishing regulations which can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Ability to work with a diverse group of people. Extensive knowledge of office management practices. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Technical knowledge of Montana Codes Annotated, Administrative Rules of Montana, and Annual Rule Procedures. Considerable knowledge of working with complex internal systems. Understanding of internal accounting control procedures. Working knowledge of current system analysis design, testing and maintenance techniques and practices. Ability to recognize, analyze and solve complex problems. Ability to develop and implement complex licensing procedures; to interpret complex licensing information and circumstances and formulate solutions/recommendations to resolve licensing issues. Ability to learn quickly and independently; work under pressure to meet deadlines and prioritize work.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School diploma and four years progressively responsible administrative experience, including public relations, information processing, and/or administrative research. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.