Assistant Chief, Wildlife Division

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, biology, natural or earth science, or a related natural resource discipline, plus 6 years of related experience, three of these in a supervisory or management capacity. Or a master’s degree in one of the fields indicated and four years of related experience, two of these in a supervisory or management capacity.

Demonstrated experience applying science-based wildlife management principles, including game species population monitoring, habitat management (public and private lands), and the implementation of wildlife conservation strategies. Proven ability to supervise and lead multidisciplinary teams, evaluate performance, coordinate section activities, and resolve complex operational and personnel issues. Experience in developing, managing, and tracking operational budgets, including federal aid coordination, grants, and programmatic funding. Knowledge of cost-effective program delivery and strategic resource allocation.

Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with private landowners, other government agencies, wildlife organizations, advisory boards, and the public. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the media and represent the Department in public forums. Highly organized, self-motivated, and adaptable to fast-paced work environments. Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. Must have the ability to interpret, explain, and implement policy and procedure in a leadership capacity.

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Dakota Class D driver’s license.

Requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with North Dakota hunting, fishing, and wildlife laws and regulations.
• Experience in public communication and stakeholder engagement, including public speaking, media relations, community outreach, and representing an organization at meetings or forums.
• Proven experience in budget development and financial management, especially in tracking expenditures, federal aid coordination, and securing or managing grants.
• Strong conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage challenging personnel, stakeholder, or landowner situations effectively and diplomatically.
• Participation in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, particularly as it relates to North Dakota's landscape, wildlife resources, and conservation challenges.

Application Procedures:

1. Applicants must complete the online application.
2. Applicants must also upload a cover letter describing how the applicant’s ability and experience relates to the summary of work.
3. Applicants must upload a current resume that includes information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted.
4. Applicants must attach a document listing at least 3 professional references.

Applicants should save their applications frequently to avoid any loss of information. The online application system will time you out after 40 minutes and you will lose any information that is not saved.

Applicants must submit all documents above. It is very important to be thorough and detailed on all your application materials. Credit will not be given if the Department’s human resource officer cannot determine that you meet the minimum qualifications or verify your answers to the questionnaire questions.

Applicants must submit all documents above.

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 11:59pm on the posted closing date.

For information about the position or for persons needing accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process, contact Melissa Long, Administrative Officer at 701-328-6318.

For troubles or questions about applying on the online system contact recruiter@nd.gov.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may 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 known any needs for accommodation. ND Relay Number: 1-800-366-6888

As employers, the State of North Dakota and political subdivisions prohibit smoking in all places of state and political subdivision employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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 t North Dakota Human Rights Act.