Schweitzer Adviser New Deputy Director at FWP

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Gov. Brian Schweitzer's natural resource policy adviser has been named the new deputy director at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Mike Volesky replaces former Butte legislator Art Noonan, who recently left for a job at Northwestern Energy. Volesky is scheduled to start the new job next month.

The Independent Record reports that Volesky's salary will increase from about $74,000 to more than $96,000 annually. The new job also extends beyond the end of Schweitzer's last term, which expires at year's end.

FWP Director Joe Maurier says Volesky was a good fit for the post because of his experience on issues like bison and wolf management.

Volesky has worked for the governor since 2004.