Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts

North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director Terry Steinwand recently honored a number of employees with performance-based awards. Steinwand presented the following awards at the department’s annual staff meeting Dec. 8.

John Mazur, hunter education coordinator, Bismarck, received the Special Projects award, given to an individual who implemented a successful new project. Mazur was recognized for his efforts with successfully refining the hunter education program. “John took the concept of a hunter education instructor academy and made it a reality,” Steinwand said. “He created a volunteer instructor academy team, field days and a pilot mentoring program. He was able to accomplish this because of our well-trained and dedicated volunteer staff.”

Bill Jensen, big game biologist, Bismarck, received the Solid Foundation award, presented to staff who demonstrate exemplary work in their field. Jensen was recognized for his passion for wildlife conservation. “Bill’s professionalism, integrity, attitude and work ethic serves as an exemplary model for all employees,” Steinwand said. “He continually strives to use the best available science to help guide wildlife management, and is a go-to source for big game management in North Dakota.”

Stephanie Tucker, game management section leader, Bismarck, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee for showing a significant effort, ability or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the Department’s programs. Tucker was recognized for her work involved with furbearer issues. “Stephanie does an outstanding job in communicating with all entities in a professional manner,” Steinwand said. “She is well spoken, highly informed and extremely courteous while working with landowners, legislators, hunters and trappers.”

Jerry Weigel, fisheries production and development section leader, Bismarck, was presented with the Innovations award, which recognizes staff for implementing a process to improve Department goals and objectives. Weigel was recognized for his statewide efforts in fish distribution. “One of Jerry’s career accomplishments has been his ability to integrate improvements to our existing program, and it’s because of his innovation, extreme interest and dedication to our overall fish culture program,” Steinwand said.

Greg Hastings, district game warden, Jamestown, was named North Dakota’s Boating Officer of the Year. Chief warden Robert Timian said Hasting’s district boasts several man-made and natural lakes that are home to many anglers and recreational boat operators. “Warden Hastings is skilled in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of boaters who are operating while operating under the influence,” Timian said. “He is dedicated to making sure his boaters are operating in a safe manner while still enjoying the outdoors.”