Biologist II – North Central District Fisheries Supervisor

Position Overview

Location	Riverdale, ND
Salary	$5,299 - $8,391 full range, starting salary based on experience
Closing Date	November 9, 2025
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes	Starting Date: December 1, 2025 or later

Summary of Work

The North Central Fisheries District includes over 70 fishing waters stretching throughout a nine-county area in north central North Dakota.

North Central District water bodies vary in size from less than one acre to nearly 17,000 acres.

Included in the North Central District are 10 higher priority/important recreational fisheries and 12 community fisheries.

The North Central District Fisheries Supervisor is responsible for managing recreational fisheries and other aquatic resources throughout the district. Management work includes spawning fish, fish population and reproduction surveys, tagging studies, water quality monitoring, fish kill investigations, creel/angler surveys, presenting information via written reports and oral presentations, and scientifically analyzing fish population data to determine fish stocking rates, the need for special regulations, and other pertinent management actions.

Serves as local liaison with State, Federal and private organizations and individuals on various fisheries matters.

Works with other Department staff to develop and maintain fishing access areas.

Supervise two permanent staff members and numerous seasonal staff.

This position offers an opportunity to work with a team of fisheries professionals dedicated to managing fisheries resources for the benefit of anglers and to maintain healthy aquatic resources in North Central North Dakota.

This position is stationed in Riverdale, North Dakota, with an area of responsibility that covers eight counties in the north-central portion of the state. This work area includes lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams of varying size. Situated on the shore of Lake Sakakawea, this position also cooperates with and aids Missouri River System biologists on Lake Sakakawea and Missouri Rivers during periods of high workload.

We are looking for a self-driven candidate with a passion to manage and enhance the sustainable use of North Dakota's fisheries resources for the benefit of the public. We offer rewarding work opportunities with a competitive employee benefits package including a fully paid family health insurance plan, paid leave, retirement plan options, work-life balance/flexibility, and more! Benefits and extras

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries biology or fisheries management, or closely related natural resource science degree and four years of professional work experience with a fisheries or natural resource management agency. A Master of Science degree may be substituted for two years of actual work experience.

The position requires demonstrated knowledge and experience in fisheries management practices, the ability to design, conduct and oversee fish population surveys, creel surveys, collection of other biological and limnological data, and conducting fish trapping and spawning operations. Must be able to maintain accurate computer databases and analyze data with appropriate scientific interpretation. Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel).

Applicants must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the general public, private landowners, wildlife/fishing clubs, and other natural resource agency professionals. Must have or be able to obtain a Class D North Dakota driver’s license. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds over your head. Must be willing to travel extensively and work outdoors under all weather conditions, including some night work.

Requires satisfactory completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to individuals with:

Experience supervising staff
Applicants who actively fish

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 manager cannot determine that you meet the minimum qualifications or verify your answers to the questionnaire questions you will not be given credit.

Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the posted closing date.

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.

For information about the position please contact Scott Gangl, Fisheries Management Section Leader at 701-328-6662 or for persons needing accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process, contact Melissa Long, HR Services manager, 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 does 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.