Biologist II - Private Lands Section (deadline extended, updated minimum and preferred qualifications)

Position Overview

Location	Bismarck
Salary	$5,299 – $7,066 hiring range
Closing Date	May 31, 2026
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes	* Closing date extended, updated minimum and preferred qualifications. Previous applicants do not need to reapply as they will be considered. *

Summary of Work

North Dakota Game and Fish Department is seeking a motivated conservation professional to help lead one of the nation’s premier private lands access and habitat programs. North Dakota is recognized as a top hunting destination, attracting resident and nonresident hunters from across the country for its exceptional upland bird, waterfowl, and big game opportunities. The Department’s Conservation Private Land Open To Sportsmen program is a nationally recognized model that provides millions of acres of public hunting access while supporting wildlife habitat conservation and strong partnerships with private landowners. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation, public access, and the future of hunting in North Dakota.

The individual selected for this position will serve in the Private Land Section of the Department’s Wildlife Division and assist with the leadership, development, implementation, and delivery of the Department’s Private Land Initiative. This includes the highly successful Conservation PLOTS walk-in hunting access program and associated wildlife habitat initiatives that benefit hunters, landowners, and wildlife across the state.

This leadership position includes supervisory and budgetary responsibility for a team of private land field biologists located throughout North Dakota. The successful candidate will help guide one of the Department’s highest-profile conservation programs and work closely with staff, landowners, conservation organizations, and agency partners to expand habitat and public access opportunities statewide.

Primary responsibilities include providing leadership and administrative support for field staff; preparing budgets, grants, and annual work plans; ensuring policy and procedure compliance; reviewing agreements; maintaining records; and helping ensure effective and efficient delivery of the PLI. Additional responsibilities include coordinating production of the annual Conservation PLOTS Guide, overseeing equipment procurement, coordinating PLOTS tract signage, and assisting with habitat management plans.

This position requires collaboration with private landowners, agricultural interests, NGOs, industry representatives, and local, state, and federal agencies to advance habitat conservation and public access opportunities. The position will also assist with habitat planning, program development, and strategic discussions focused on improving wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout North Dakota. Other duties shall include wildlife surveys, habitat management activities, and public outreach efforts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology or wildlife management or closely related natural resource science degree and four years of professional work experience involving project management or program delivery. A master’s degree in a natural resource related field may substitute for two years of professional work experience.

Applicants must be highly responsible, well-organized and attentive to detail. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and adaptable to a fast-paced work environment.

A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel are required.

Requires satisfactory completion of a background check.

This is a salaried position and may require the individual to work long or extra hours, exceeding 40 hours per week, to complete tasks during specific periods throughout the year.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to individuals with

Wildlife management or natural resources training or experience
Supervisory or project management experience
Experience managing budgets, grants, reports, policies, or procedural documents
Experience delivering conservation programs
Experience conducting wildlife surveys and habitat assessments
Experience with wildlife depredation
Experience with map reading, legal descriptions, or other mapping software applications
Participation in hunting

Application Procedures

Applicants must complete the online application.
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 or include this information on the resume.

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 11:59pm 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 Kevin Kading, Private Lands Section Leader at kkading@nd.gov 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.