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Fisheries Biological Technician II

Position Overview

Location
Williston, ND
Salary
$4,052 - $4,987/mo. hiring range
Closing Date
February 11, 2026
Status
Full-time
Type of Recruitment
Internal/External
Notes

Summary of Work

The individual will be located in our Williston district office and assist with fisheries management activities in Northwest North Dakota.

Assist the Western District Fisheries Supervisor in maintaining a complete and accurate biological database by conducting fish population surveys and other biological and limnological surveys.

Provide field assistance to the Missouri River System fisheries crew on Upper Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers.

Assists with trap, transport and spawning of various fish species. Maintains and repairs district equipment, including boats, motors, trailers, nets and other shop and field equipment, to ensure all equipment is in safe working condition.

This position will assist the District Supervisor with various components of the paddlefish population of the region that provides a recreational fishery in both North Dakota and Montana.

Work with other department staff to perform building and grounds maintenance as needed.

Assists with other district fisheries work as needed and carries out special projects as assigned, including access development and habitat projects.

Occasionally presents information at professional and public meetings and responds to public requests for information.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in fish and wildlife management, biology/zoology or closely related degree with at least 2 years (24 months) of field experience with a natural resource agency OR a Bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields.

The position requires a working knowledge of fisheries management principles and fish sampling methods.

Applicants must possess skills to maintain and repair equipment used to carry out fisheries sampling activities and other district work.

The individual must possess effective communication skills, both oral and written, and must have the ability to represent the Department through interactions with user groups and the general public.

Must be able to work extended hours and be willing to travel.

Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Must be able to work both independently and as a team, oftentimes in inclement weather, including extremely cold water and occasional night work.

Must have computer skills adequate to carry out work duties.

Must have a valid North Dakota Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one.

Requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

Preference will be given for:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Experience building and/or repairing nets
  • Experience towing and operating boats
  • Equipment maintenance experience (e.g., motors, small engines, trailers etc.)
  • Ability to swim
  • Applicants who actively fish
  • Experience spawning fish

Application Procedures:

  1. 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.
  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. 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.

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 contact Aaron Slominski, Western Fisheries Supervisor at 701-774-4320 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 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.

Williston, North Dakota

Williston - Williston is a booming community located on the scenic Missouri river in Northwest North Dakota. Situated at the crossroads of agriculture and energy development, the Williston area today is a regional center for business and play, history and development, fun and adventure. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound just a few minutes outside of town, including world class hunting and fishing, hiking, golf and boating.

Want more information on everything Williston has to offer? Speak with a community representative at 800-615-9041 or visit https://visitwilliston.com


State Benefits and Policies

ND Game and Fish offers a challenging and rewarding career. It also includes a full range of employee benefits, including 100% employer paid family health insurance, a comprehensive retirement plan, vacation, sick leave (including family sick leave), holiday pay, tuition reimbursement and other great benefits.

State Benefits

State HR Policies


Relocation Resources

Relocation Resources

Housing Information


Recreation

ND Tourism

ND State Parks

About the North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Sharp-tailed grouse displaying

Department News, Blogs and Publications

2021-23 NDGF Biennial Report

History of the NDGF Department