Biologist II Wildlife Resource Section

North Dakota Game and Fish Department; Riverdale Township (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department seeks a District Wildlife Resource Supervisor to lead habitat management, conservation programs, and public access initiatives across north-central North Dakota (District V). The role focuses on wildlife populations, long-term stewardship of Wildlife Management Areas, and collaboration with landowners and agencies to sustain outdoor heritage.

Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, development, and implementation of habitat strategies, direct

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, natural or earth science or other related natural resource discipline and four years of professional work experience with a wildlife or natural resource management agency is required.
• A Master of Science degree may be substituted for two years of actual work experience.
• Experience applying wildlife management concepts and habitat management practices; planning, budgeting and staff supervision.

Responsibilities

• Plan, budget, develop, and implement habitat management strategies designed to improve wildlife populations and public lands.
• Direct supervision for permanent and seasonal staff and coordinate annual management priorities.
• Coordinate wildlife depredation response efforts and support statewide surveys, research projects, and population monitoring.
• Collaborate with Private Lands Initiative to deliver habitat and access programs with landowners and hunting opportunities.

Skills

Wildlife management

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Project planning

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or related natural resource discipline

Master of Science may substitute for two years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Job description

Summary Of Work

The District Wildlife Resource Supervisor is a leadership position responsible for conserving and enhancing wildlife habitats, expanding public access opportunities, and advancing wildlife management across north-central North Dakota. This position serves as a key biological and operational leader within District V (Riverdale), which includes Renville, McHenry, Ward, Maclean, Sheridan and Mercer counties. In this role, the supervisor oversees the management and long-term stewardship of Wildlife Management Areas that are essential to North Dakota's outdoor heritage and provide invaluable habitat for wildlife and recreation opportunities for the public. Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, development, and implementation of habitat management strategies designed to improve wildlife populations and maintain high-quality public lands for future generations. The position directs a wide range of habitat and land management activities, including native grass and tree plantings, food plot development, prescribed fire, invasive species control, wetland and water management, and infrastructure maintenance. The supervisor also administers lease agreements, develops federal aid work plans, and coordinates annual management priorities to ensure sustainable and science-based conservation outcomes. In addition to WMA management, the position plays an important role in coordinating wildlife depredation response efforts and supporting statewide game management activities such as wildlife surveys, research projects, and population monitoring. The supervisor also assists with the Department's Private Lands Initiative, working closely with agricultural producers and landowners to deliver habitat and access programs that strengthen partnerships and expand hunting opportunities across the region. As a district leader, the supervisor provides direct supervision for permanent and seasonal staff while serving as a trusted wildlife resource professional for local communities, landowners, sportsmen, and conservation partners. The position also reviews development and land-use projects that may affect wildlife resources, ensuring decisions are guided by sound biological science and long-term conservation priorities. This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated conservation professional to make a lasting impact on North Dakota's wildlife resources, public lands, and hunting heritage while helping manage some of the state's most important habitats and outdoor recreation areas.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, natural or earth science or other related natural resource discipline and four years of professional work experience with a wildlife or natural resource management agency is required. A Master of Science degree may be substituted for two years of actual work experience. The position requires experience in applying wildlife management concepts, wildlife habitat management practices, habitat requirements for northern Great Plains wildlife species, federal and state agricultural conservation programs and production agriculture. Applicants must have experience providing supervision to professional and support staff. Applicants must have experience in planning, preparation, and administration of detailed budgets. Applicants must have demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to balance different interests. The individual must possess well-developed communication skills, both oral and written, be highly responsible, be well organized and have attention to detail. Must have the ability to work with wildlife management professionals, private landowners, wildlife clubs, the media and the general public. Must be self-motivated and adaptable to a fast-paced work environment. Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel). Applicants must be willing and able to learn additional programs and software as necessary. Must be willing and able to learn the laws, rules, and regulations related to the position. Must be able to interpret and explain policies and procedures to staff. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid class D North Dakota driver's license. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and travel extensively. Requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying wildlife habitat management techniques
• Experience in public communications and networking
• Experience in conflict resolution.
• Leadership skills and supervisory experience
• Active participation in hunting and fishing and other outdoor related activities

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.