Wildlife Refuge Manager

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Madison (SD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in South Dakota seeks a Wildlife Refuge Manager to lead staff across eastern SD refuges, oversee operations, and apply science-based resource management to conserve habitat and wildlife.

You will build partnerships with tribes, agencies, and communities, manage budgets and facilities, oversee visitor programs, and guide long-range plans to protect natural resources and provide meaningful outdoor experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage overall refuge operations, guiding staff and ensuring science-based resource management.
• Oversee biological and habitat management programs, including conservation projects, restoration, research, and monitoring.
• Develop long-range plans, including land management strategies, conservation plans, and resource protection initiatives.
• Build partnerships with tribes, local communities, agencies, and conservation organizations to advance shared resource goals.
• Manage budgets, staffing needs, and administrative operations, ensuring effective use of resources and sound business practices.
• Oversee facilities and equipment maintenance and guide development of infrastructure projects that support refuge operations and public access.
• Direct visitor services programs, including public use activities, education, interpretation, and volunteer engagement.
• Supervise and lead a multidisciplinary team, overseeing program performance, budget and resource management, workforce development, and operational excellence.

Job description

Open: October 30, 2026 — Closes: November 13, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager with US Fish and Wildlife Service, leading staff and overseeing National Wildlife Refuges, Wetland Management Districts, and Refuge Complexes. You will apply expert knowledge to solve complex wildlife and land management challenges, advance conservation efforts, protect natural resources, and support the FWS mission.

Major Duties

The Wildlife Refuge Manager will help lead the Eastern South Dakota Wetland Management District Complex including the oversight of operations. Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Lead and manage overall refuge operations, setting direction for staff and ensuring high-quality, science-based resource management with a focus on administering a network of conservation easements and fee-title waterfowl production areas and national wildlife refuges across eastern South Dakota. Oversee biological and habitat management programs, including conservation projects, restoration efforts, research, and monitoring to support wildlife populations and healthy ecosystems. Guide the development and implementation of long-range plans, including land management strategies, conservation plans, and resource protection initiatives. Build partnerships with tribes, local communities, agencies, and conservation organizations to advance shared resource goals and address complex natural resource issues. Manage budgets, staffing needs, and administrative operations, ensuring effective use of resources and sound business practices. Oversee facilities and equipment maintenance and guide development of infrastructure projects that support refuge operations and public access. Direct visitor services programs, including public use activities, education, interpretation, and volunteer engagement to support safe, meaningful outdoor experiences. Supervise and lead a multidisciplinary team, overseeing program performance, budget and resource management, workforce development, and operational excellence to achieve mission objectives.