Big Sky Montana....? (Missoula, Bozeman: relocation, jobs, housing)

[zgolightly]

I just graduated with my degree in wildlife bio. I am currently saving up the cash to move hopefully by December. I have a couple friends in Big Sky and will probably stay with them until I find something that will work for me. I was curious about how much a place to live would cost? I have no problem living in the middle of no where if it is cheaper. Is Big Sky gonna be expensive to find a place to live, and if so where would you recommend staying.... would Bozeman be better? It will prolly be at least December before I have the cash saved up, is it going to be hard to find a job/ place to live in the winter? I also have some friends in Missoula, would that be a better place to live than Big Sky? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[rickers]

It's a ski town. I've never been there but I don't think it's cheap living ! Bozeman is on the high side also. Do you want to work for the state ? It would seem to me that it might be best to lock in a job first and then locate close by.

[jimj]

Check the DNRC and FWP web sites as well as the federal parks before you come to see what jobs are available so you have a better idea of where to locate and don't have to move all over the place. Some of the parks offer housing as well.

[jenzebel]

Originally Posted by zgolightly

I just graduated with my degree in wildlife bio. I am currently saving up the cash to move hopefully by December. I have a couple friends in Big Sky and will probably stay with them until I find something that will work for me. I was curious about how much a place to live would cost? I have no problem living in the middle of no where if it is cheaper. Is Big Sky gonna be expensive to find a place to live, and if so where would you recommend staying.... would Bozeman be better? It will prolly be at least December before I have the cash saved up, is it going to be hard to find a job/ place to live in the winter? I also have some friends in Missoula, would that be a better place to live than Big Sky? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Big Sky is probably one of the most expensive areas in the state. There has been a long term shortage of affordable housing there and it heavily impacts, for example, those working at the ski resort. I know some tradespeople that work on building project there and they must commute from the Bozeman area or further.

Wildlife jobs are tough here because we've got both University of Montana and Montana State cranking out grads in their Master's and PhD programs so it is VERY competitive. The universities here have relationships with employers and through internships, local grads get an inside track on job openings. You didn't say if you were had a B.S. or M.S. but a Bachelor's degree will only get you a technician's job at best, most of those are only seasonal positions and again, very competitive.

[Fortaz]

I lived in Big Sky meadows in '03 and I paid $475 a month for a cubby hole with a bunk bed. At least the utilities were free!

[brokencrayola]

I would go to USA Jobs and keep tabs of the wildlife bio jobs and their locations. My husband is in fisheries. You tend to see more jobs in certain areas and would not want to move to an area will you will not find work. You might almost be better off finding a job first. I would apply for Montana Fish and Wildlife and Parks and have them keep your resume. You can start applying in the early Fall and see if you can get a job first, then move. They won't pay your relocation fees but at least you will have a job and know where you will be moving to. Just a thought.