Employment opportunities in Montana: Growing tech industry presence. Strong agriculture and ranching sectors. Expanding healthcare job market. Seasonal tourism-related positions. Energy sector job availability. Higher education opportunities. Demand for skilled trades. Business-friendly environment. Opportunities in environmental conservation. Remote work options expanding.
Growing tech industry presence.
Montana's high tech industry is booming, growing seven times faster than the statewide economy, with higher wages than most other jobs. However, the industry faces a significant challenge in finding enough skilled workers to fill the numerous job openings, which could potentially slow growth if not addressed. To delve deeper into this subject, explore the insights shared on Montana Public Radio, where the complex dynamics of this tech surge and workforce shortage are further examined. As Montana's tech scene continues to advance, ensuring an adequate supply of skilled professionals remains a pressing priority.
Strong agriculture and ranching sectors.
Montana presents a wealth of employment opportunities in the agriculture and ranching sectors, encompassing roles such as Ranch Managers, Assistant Ranch Managers, Ranch Hands, and farm maintenance across diverse locations like Bozeman, Missoula, and Billings. Many of these jobs offer year-round employment along with housing, providing stability and a chance to immerse oneself in the sprawling landscapes of the region. For a comprehensive list of available positions, you can explore the opportunities on Montana Ranch Jobs, where prospective employees can find their ideal role within the state's rich agricultural tapestry.
Expanding healthcare job market.
Montana's healthcare industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by the state's growing and aging population, which is expected to add about 820 healthcare jobs per year, making it the second highest among industries. The sector faces challenges due to workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, but it remains a major source of employment, with hospitals being the largest employers and a high demand for healthcare professionals such as nurses and home health aides. For more detailed insights and data, the Montana's Healthcare Workforce Report provides comprehensive information on these trends and challenges.
Seasonal tourism-related positions.
Montana offers a wide range of seasonal tourism-related positions that provide exciting opportunities to work amidst its breathtaking landscapes. From roles such as housekeepers, grocery clerks, and hospitality staff near Yellowstone National Park to more adventurous jobs like zipline guides, there's something for everyone interested in lodging, retail, or outdoor adventures. Additionally, there are opportunities for cooks, bakers, and waitstaff at historic landmarks and national parks, along with leadership roles in conservation and service initiatives. Organizations like the Montana Conservation Corps and VISIONS Service Adventures offer rewarding experiences for those who wish to make a positive impact while immersing themselves in Montana's natural beauty and rich history.
Energy sector job availability.
NorthWestern Energy, a major energy provider in Montana, offers a variety of job opportunities in the energy sector, including roles for utility craft professionals, accountants, environmental professionals, biologists, and engineers, with competitive salaries and benefits. For those interested in joining this thriving industry, more information can be found on their Careers page, where a wide range of career paths are detailed.
Higher education opportunities.
The Montana University System provides a diverse array of career opportunities across 16 public universities and colleges, with roles available in academia, administration, and support services, all complemented by benefits like health insurance, vacation leave, and college tuition waivers. For those interested in joining the University of Montana and its affiliated campuses, HigherEdJobs offers a comprehensive list of job openings in various domains such as development, fundraising, human resources, and academic fields, each with thorough job descriptions and application instructions. Additionally, Indeed.com showcases a wide selection of over 200 positions in higher education throughout Montana, featuring roles at Montana State University, the University of Montana, and other institutions, complete with details on salaries and application deadlines.
Demand for skilled trades.
In Montana, there is a high demand for skilled trades, with occupations such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers experiencing significant annual job openings. For example, carpenters have 840 annual job openings, and these roles typically require completion of an apprenticeship and offer median annual wages between $45,000 and $65,000. More detailed information can be found in the Montana Employment Projections report, which highlights the trends and opportunities in the state's labor market.
Business-friendly environment.
Montana is ranked as the best state for starting a small business due to factors such as high consumer spending, favorable labor costs, and a strong rate of new entrepreneurs. Among these is a notable increase in new business applications observed between 2020 and 2021, which underscores the state's dynamic economic landscape. The state also boasts a high business survival rate and is actively working to improve its tax climate through proposals like tax cuts and exemptions for business equipment. For more information, visit the Montana Public Radio website for detailed insights.
Opportunities in environmental conservation.
Opportunities in environmental conservation in Montana are diverse and impactful, offering roles such as the District Administrator/Program Coordinator with the Liberty County Conservation District and a Range Conservationist with the Montana Association of Conservation Districts, focusing on natural resources management and rangeland conservation. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides jobs including Water Quality Permitting Scientist, Air Quality Engineering Scientist, and Drinking Water Scientist, all vital for protecting the environment and public health. For those seeking hands-on experience, the Montana Conservation Corps offers seasonal field crew jobs and other opportunities, with benefits such as a living allowance and AmeriCorps education awards. Moreover, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana supports careers dedicated to maintaining healthy ecosystems, enabling conservation professionals to collaborate with communities statewide.
Remote work options expanding.
Montana is expanding remote work options, offering employers a toolkit to establish telecommuting programs, which includes benefits such as increased productivity, retention, and cost savings. The state also provides resources like the Remote Work Certificate Program and compliance guidance on workers' compensation and tax requirements to support remote employment.