Wildlife Refuge Leader: Conservation & Ops

U.S. Department of the Interior; Madison (SD); Remote; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in South Dakota is seeking a Wildlife Refuge Manager to lead staff and oversee a network of national wildlife refuges and related districts.

You will apply expert knowledge to address wildlife and land management challenges, advance conservation, and support the FWS mission. The role requires directing operations, budgeting, and public engagement while building partnerships with tribes and local communities to protect natural resources and provide meaningful

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or national required.
• Background check and favorable adjudication.
• Selectee may be subject to probationary period.
• Experience in staff oversight and complex land management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage overall refuge operations across eastern South Dakota.
• Oversee biology and habitat management programs and monitoring.
• Develop long-range land management and conservation plans.
• Build partnerships with tribes, local communities, agencies, and conservation organizations.
• Oversee budgets, staffing, and administrative operations.
• Direct visitor services and volunteer engagement.

Skills

Staff leadership

Budgeting

Habitat management

Partnerships

Strategic planning

Public outreach

Job description

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in South Dakota is seeking a Wildlife Refuge Manager to lead staff and oversee a network of national wildlife refuges and related districts.

You will apply expert knowledge to address wildlife and land management challenges, advance conservation, and support the FWS mission. The role requires directing operations, budgeting, and public engagement while building partnerships with tribes and local communities to protect natural resources and provide meaningful