Biologist II – Wildlife Resource Section

Position Overview

Location	Williston, ND
Salary	$5,299 to $8,744 per month full range; starting salary depending on experience
Closing Date	June 7, 2026
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes

Summary of Work

The District Wildlife Resource Supervisor is a leadership position responsible for conserving and enhancing wildlife habitats, expanding public access opportunities, and advancing wildlife management across northwest North Dakota. This position serves as a key biological and operational leader within District VI (Williston), which includes Divide, Burke, Williams, Mountrail, and McKenzie counties.

In this role, the supervisor oversees the management and long-term stewardship of Wildlife Management Areas that are essential to North Dakota’s outdoor heritage and provide invaluable habitat for wildlife and recreation opportunities for the public. Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, development, and implementation of habitat management strategies designed to improve wildlife populations and maintain high-quality public lands for future generations.

The position directs a wide range of habitat and land management activities, including native grass and tree plantings, food plot development, prescribed fire, invasive species control, wetland and water management, and infrastructure maintenance. The supervisor also administers lease agreements, develops federal aid work plans, and coordinates annual management priorities to ensure sustainable and science-based conservation outcomes.

In addition to WMA management, the position plays an important role in coordinating wildlife depredation response efforts and supporting statewide game management activities such as wildlife surveys, research projects, and population monitoring. The supervisor also assists with the Department’s Private Lands Initiative, working closely with agricultural producers and landowners to deliver habitat and access programs that strengthen partnerships and expand hunting opportunities across the region.

As a district leader, the supervisor provides direct supervision for permanent and seasonal staff while serving as a trusted wildlife resource professional for local communities, landowners, sportsmen, and conservation partners. The position also reviews development and land-use projects that may affect wildlife resources, ensuring decisions are guided by sound biological science and long-term conservation priorities.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated conservation professional to make a lasting impact on North Dakota’s wildlife resources, public lands, and hunting heritage while helping manage some of the state’s most important habitats and outdoor recreation areas.

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.
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 11:59 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 701-328-6318.

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.

Working in North Dakota

Lit tent in the badlands with stars above

North Dakota is recognized as a premier hunting destination, offering world-class opportunities for deer, upland game, waterfowl, and other outdoor recreation. The state’s Wildlife Management Areas are at the heart of that experience providing critical wildlife habitat, protecting natural resources, and ensuring public access for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The District Wildlife Resource Supervisor plays a vital role in conserving these landscapes and shaping the future of wildlife management in northwest North Dakota.

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