Biologist II – Wildlife Resource Section

Position Overview

Location	Bismarck and Riverdale, ND
Salary	$5,299 to $8,391 per month full range, salary based on experience
Closing Date	September 21, 2025
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes	Two positions are available, one in the Bismarck District office and one in the Riverdale District office.

Summary of Work

These positions are for District Wildlife Resource Supervisors responsible for managing Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s), assisting Private Lands Section, responding to wildlife depredation, conducting wildlife surveys, disease monitoring, supervising 4 – 5 regular and temporary employees, functioning as information source, and providing comments on projects that may impact wildlife resources.

These positions are responsible for the management, supervision, budgeting, and development of Wildlife Management Areas within their respective districts.

The southcentral District IV office located in Bismarck includes Kidder, Emmons, Burleigh, Oliver, Morton, Grant, and Sioux Counties.

The northcentral District V office located in Riverdale includes Mercer, McLean, McHenry, Ward, and Renville Counties.

WMA’s consist of ND Game and Fish property and property leased from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

WMA management includes developing and maintaining tree plantings, grass/forb plantings, food plots, noxious weed control, prescribed burning, fence maintenance, water level management as well as WMA lease agreements, federal aid work plans, and annual management plans.

The position will coordinate and respond to wildlife depredation; assist Game Management Section with wildlife population surveys, management, and research activities.

The position will assist Private Lands Section with supervision, implementation and delivery of private land and hunter access components of the Departments Private Lands Initiative; and provide educational services, technical assistance, liaison with State, Federal, private organization partners, as well as contractors and individuals on expertise of wildlife management based on sound biological principles and practices; and other District and Department duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, biology, natural or earth science or other related natural resource discipline and four years of professional work experience with a wildlife or natural resource management agency is required. A Master of Science degree may be substituted for two years of actual work experience.

The position requires experience in applying wildlife management concepts, wildlife habitat management practices, habitat requirements for northern Great Plains wildlife species, federal and state agricultural conservation programs and production agriculture. Applicants must have experience providing supervision to professional and support staff. Applicants must have experience in planning, preparation, and administration of detailed budgets. Applicants must have demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to balance different interests.

The individual must possess well-developed communication skills, both oral and written, be highly responsible, be well organized and have attention to detail. Must have the ability to work with wildlife management professionals, private landowners, wildlife clubs, the media and the general public. Must be self-motivated and adaptable to a fast-paced work environment. Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel).

Applicants must be willing and able to learn additional programs and software as necessary. Must be willing and able to learn the laws, rules, and regulations related to the position. Must be able to interpret and explain policies and procedures to staff.

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid class D North Dakota driver’s license. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and travel extensively.

Requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given for:

Experience applying wildlife habitat management techniques
Experience in public communications and networking
Experience in conflict resolution.
Leadership skills and supervisory experience
Active participation in hunting and fishing and other outdoor related activities

Application Procedures:

Applicants must complete the online application. Applicants will be scored by their responses to the questionnaire questions – please do not say “See Resume” to any questions.
Applicants must also upload a cover letter describing how the applicant’s ability and experience relates to the summary of work.
Applicants must upload a current resume that includes information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted.
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. If the Department’s human resource officer cannot determine that you meet the minimum qualifications or verify your answers to the questionnaire questions you will not be given credit.

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 CST 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, HR Services Manager at 701-328-6318.

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

The North Dakota Game & 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 provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.