Montana Historic Preservation Grant Program Specialist

Job Description

About the Department
The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing, and improve community infrastructure.
We uphold
excellence
,
integrity
,
engagement
, and
innovation
by delivering respectful, creative, and accountable service through collaborative, resilient teams. Rooted in a deep
love for Montana
, we proudly embody its authenticity, independence, and industry as we serve and partner with Montanans.
(You can learn more about us
here
.)
About the Position
This role helps administer the Montana Historic Preservation Grant (MHPG) program and supports the Montana Main Street (MMS) program. The successful candidate will guide grant recipients through program requirements, monitor projects and funding, maintain accurate records, and build relationships with communities and preservation partners throughout Montana.
In this role, you will:
·

Oversee a portfolio of 30+ historic preservation grants, ensuring projects progress from startup through closeout in alignment with program requirements.
·

Apply strong skills in contracting, reimbursement processing, financial review, and documentation verification to support compliant and efficient grant delivery.
·

Maintain accurate tracking of deadlines, expenditures, communications, and required documentation using Excel and other systems to support informed decision
‑
making.
·

Monitor project progress, identify inconsistencies or concerns, and independently research program records and policies to resolve questions.
·

Explain complex program processes clearly to recipients with varying experience levels and respond effectively to inquiries about MHPG and Montana Main Street programs.
This position is open until October 1, 2026.

What are we looking for?
To thrive in this role from day one, you should be able to demonstrate the following qualifying skills:
·

Strong organization and project management abilities, including managing multiple priorities, maintaining reliable tracking systems, and ensuring accurate documentation through completion.
·

Advanced spreadsheet and recordkeeping skills, with experience using Excel to organize and analyze data, identify inconsistencies, and review financial information with accuracy.
·

Effective communication and collaboration skills, demonstrated through clear explanations of complex requirements, professional guidance, and strong relationship-building with coworkers, partners, and the public.
·

Demonstrated commitment to public service and community development, supported by an interest in historic preservation, and understanding of government operations.
·

Ability to travel independently throughout Montana, along with optional experience in areas such as grant work, preservation practices, community engagement, education, or construction-related documentation.
How to apply:
Apply online by submitting your resume. Please note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education and certifications" portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.
Benefits:
Look
here
to see the additional benefits!

They include:
o

Work/life balance,
o

Health coverage,
o

Retirement plans,
o

Paid vacation and sick leave and holidays,
o

And more...
o

Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look
here

to learn more and see if you may qualify.
Other important information to be aware of:
•

Only online applications are accepted.

By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
•

This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the state of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin.
This agency participates 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,
Link to E-Verify Website

Applicant Pool Statement
:

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment
:

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

31.30

-

31.30

Hourly

Telework Eligibility
:

Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility
:

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings
:

1

Employee Status
:

Regular

Schedule
:

Full-Time

Job Type
:

Standard

Shift
:

Day Job

Travel
:

Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location
:

Helena

Agency
:

Department of Commerce

Union
:

000 - None

Posting Date
:

Sep 18, 2026, 2:03:04 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
:

Oct 2, 2026, 1:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials
:

Resume

Contact Name
:

Jessica Arnold

|

Contact Email
:

Jessica.Arnold@mt.gov

|

Contact Phone
:

406-841-2718

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
Montana Job Service Offices
also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Minimum Qualifications

Strong organization and project management abilities, including managing multiple priorities, maintaining reliable tracking systems, and ensuring accurate documentation through completion. · Advanced spreadsheet and recordkeeping skills, with experience using Excel to organize and analyze data, identify inconsistencies, and review financial information with accuracy. · Effective communication and collaboration skills, demonstrated through clear explanations of complex requirements, professional guidance, and strong relationship-building with coworkers, partners, and the public. · Demonstrated commitment to public service and community development, supported by an interest in historic preservation, and understanding of government operations. · Ability to travel independently throughout Montana, along with optional experience in areas such as grant work, preservation practices, community engagement, education, or construction-related documentation.

Requirements

requirements, monitor projects and funding, maintain accurate records, and build relationships with communities and preservation partners throughout Montana.
In this role, you will:
·

Oversee a portfolio of 30+ historic preservation grants, ensuring projects progress from startup through closeout in alignment with program requirements.
·

Apply strong skills in contracting, reimbursement processing, financial review, and documentation verification to support compliant and efficient grant delivery.
·

Maintain accurate tracking of deadlines, expenditures, communications, and required documentation using Excel and other systems to support informed decision
‑
making.
·

Monitor project progress, identify inconsistencies or concerns, and independently research program records and policies to resolve questions.
·

Explain complex program processes clearly to recipients with varying experience levels and respond effectively to inquiries about MHPG and Montana Main Street programs.
This position is open until October 1, 2026.

What are we looking for?
To thrive in this role from day one, you should be able to demonstrate the following qualifying skills:
·

Strong organization and project management abilities, including managing multiple priorities, maintaining reliable tracking systems, and ensuring accurate documentation through completion.
·

Advanced spreadsheet and recordkeeping skills, with experience using Excel to organize and analyze data, identify inconsistencies, and review financial information with accuracy.
·

Effective communication and collaboration skills, demonstrated through clear explanations of complex requirements, professional guidance, and strong relationship-building with coworkers, partners, and the public.
·

Demonstrated commitment to public service and community development, supported by an interest in historic preservation, and understanding of government operations.
·

Ability to travel independently throughout Montana, along with optional experience in areas such as grant work, preservation practices, community engagement, education, or construction-related documentation.