Fisheries Seasonal Technician Temporary Seasonal

North Dakota Game and Fish Department; North Dakota; On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free housing provided

Housing security deposit required

Job summary

North Dakota Game and Fish Department is seeking seasonal field staff to support fisheries management, aquatic nuisance prevention, and boat ramp development across multiple ND locations.

Positions run May through August with potential extension; housing is provided at all locations. Applicants must be 18+, able to lift 50 lbs, and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions. ND scholarship options may apply for students.

Qualifications

• Must lift at least 50 pounds and have a valid driver's license.
• Must be at least 18 years old on start date.
• Ability to work long, irregular hours outdoors in adverse weather and occasionally overnight.
• Preferred: enrolled in or recent graduate in aquatic biology with basic fish management knowledge and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist fisheries personnel with reproduction and population test netting, trap and transport of fish species.
• Load and unload boats, nets and equipment.
• Assist with habitat enhancement and maintenance of fisheries facilities.

Skills

Independent work capability

Equipment operation ability

Professional conduct

Outdoor endurance

Physical stamina

Education

Aquatic biology-related field

Job description

Location: Various areas around the state of North Dakota*

Salary: $13.50 to $18.75 per hour - based on college credits and experience

Closing Date: January 1, 2027

Status: Temporary, Seasonal

• Free housing available at all locations. Security deposit required. No pets allowed at any locations.

To learn more about North Dakota, visit https://findthegoodlife.com

Job Duration

Positions are generally 40 hours per week for 3 months (mid-May thru August) but may be up to 11 months depending on need.

Seasonal employees attending a North Dakota college or university may be eligible for a scholarship. Restrictions apply.

Summary Of Work

Fisheries Management - Essential Functions

• Assist fisheries personnel with reproduction and population test netting, trap and transport of different fish species, limnological sampling and spawning activities. Work may involve creel surveys and data compilation
• loading unloading boats, nets and other equipment
• Assist with habitat enhancement
• Fisheries equipment and gear maintenance (including net repair)
• General maintenance of building and other equipment at District Offices

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) - Essential Functions

• Conduct watercraft inspections to prevent ANS introduction
• Educate water users about ANS and the laws and best practices to prevent their spread
• Assist fisheries professionals with ANS early detection surveys

Fisheries Development (boat Ramps, Docks, Piers) - Essential Functions

• Construction of related facilities include- boat ramps, parking areas, turnaround areas, roads and placement of required materials
• Operation of a wide variety of heavy equipment which includes - compact track loaders, backhoes, pay loaders, etc. to accomplish program activities
• Signing at waterbodies throughout the state
• Maintenance of deteriorated ramps, signs, courtesy docks, fishing piers, etc.
• Operation of power tools and small engine tools
• Maintenance of heavy equipment and small engines
• Fisheries development seasonals will work out of Bismarck and cover the state in construction and renovation of new/old facilities. A typical work week for development crew would consist of working Monday-Wednesday collecting 40 hours and 4-day weekends. Overnight travel may be required (vehicles provided). Expenses while away from main work-station will be reimbursed per policy (includes hotel and meals)

Minimum Qualifications

Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds over their head and possess a valid driver's license. Must be at least 18 years old on their start date.

Basic skills/knowledge required for these positions are the ability to work alone with limited supervision, learn to operate equipment with minimal training and the ability to represent the department in a professional manner. Individuals must be capable of working long, irregular hours outdoors, under adverse weather conditions and occasionally overnight.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given for:

Applicants enrolled at, or a recent graduate of a college or university majoring in an aquatic biology related field. Students should be in good academic standing with knowledge of basic fish management principles and practices and basic computer skills.

About Team ND

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

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

2026 returning employees DO NOT

• Please send a letter of interest indicating that you would like to return for the upcoming season, also indicating where you would prefer to be located.
• Include a copy of your transcripts

New Applicants

• Must complete the online application
• Must upload a cover letter and resume
• Must upload a copy of transcripts

Positions will be available at Williston, Bismarck, Dickinson, Riverdale, Devils Lake and Jamestown district offices and Valley City. Applicants will be asked to specify their preferred locations as well as other locations applicants are willing to work in. Please indicate these locations in the application process to be considered for employment in these districts.

Current state employees with access to PeopleSoft can access the job posting through the PeopleSoft portal.

External applicants can access the job posting by going to the ND State Jobs Openings. Applications must be completed by 11:59 PM on the posted closing date.

For information about the position or for persons needing accommodations or assistance in the application or interview process, contact Mattea Bierman at 701/516-3143.

For returning employees, letters of interest and transcripts can be emailed to Mattea Bierman at [e-mail]

For troubles or question about applying on the online system, contact Melissa Long at 701/328-6318 or e-mail [e-mail]

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that my interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the recruitment and selection process or with an employee's ability to perform essential duties of the job. It is the applicant's responsibility to make know any needs for accommodation.

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.