Wildlife Technician II – Game Management Section

Position Overview

Location	Bismarck, North Dakota
Salary	$4,052 - $4,987/mo. hiring range
Closing Date	March 22, 2026
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes

Summary of Work

The employee will collaborate with Game Management Section team members in the monitoring and harvest management of big game, upland game, furbearers, and migratory game birds.

This includes helping with ground and aerial surveys, research projects, captures, handling, marking and relocation, harvest surveys, disease surveillance, wildlife health investigations, public and professional meetings, and responding to public inquiries.

The employee will acquire, compile, review, and summarize data, write reports and maintain records and files, including harvest surveys.

The employee will help with disease surveillance including retrieving carcasses from the field and day-to-day operations at our Wildlife Health Lab.

The employee will maintain and clean equipment and facilities.

The employee will also participate in other Departmental surveys and management programs as assigned.

Wildlife Opportunity:

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work with a stellar team of wildlife professionals to monitor wildlife populations and health issues throughout North Dakota. The work you do will directly contribute to harvest management and conservation planning throughout the state.

While this position is stationed in Bismarck, North Dakota, your responsibilities will allow you to explore all corners of the state including a wide range of dynamic terrain and beautiful landscapes.

We are looking for a candidate with a passion to help protect, perpetuate and enhance the sustainable use of North Dakota's wildlife resources for the benefit of the public now and in the future. 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 and other great benefits. For more information visit Team ND Benefits.

The Community:

Bismarck-Mandan is a vibrant and growing community located on either side of the scenic Missouri river. It is home to first-rate schools, healthcare, culture, entertainment, parks, and trails. Travel out of town in any direction to find phenomenal outdoor recreational opportunities in minutes. World class hunting and fishing, hiking, boating, and snow sports, are just some of the things to scheme up in the state’s beautiful, varied, and sparsely populated landscapes.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology or management or closely related natural resource science degree.

Other 4-year science related degrees will be considered if the applicant has at least 2 years’ experience of wildlife field work.

Graduating undergraduates with experience will be considered.

Must have a demonstrated knowledge of wildlife identification, biology, habitat requirements, and population management.
Must have or be able to obtain a Class D North Dakota driver’s license.
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be willing to travel extensively with occasional overnight stays.
Applicants must be able to swim and possess skills in using canoes and small watercraft with paddles and outboards.
Must be able to serve as an observer in small aircraft for low level surveys for long periods of time.
Must have, or be able to obtain, a state or provincial Hunter’s Safety Certificate.
Must have extensive knowledge of, and personal experience in, hunting and/or trapping and be able to safely and effectively handle and use shotguns and rifles for taking large and small game animals.
Must possess well-developed oral and written communication skills, be highly responsible, be well organized, have attention to detail, and be self-motivated.
Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel).

Requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience conducting surveys.
Experience with radiotelemetry, capturing and/or handling live animals and/or necropsies.
Experience in the repair of equipment to include small engines, trailers, and/or other equipment.
Experience in using ArcGIS or ArcPro.

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.

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 11:59 p.m. 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 701-328-6618.

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.