Fisheries Division Chief

Position Overview

Location	Bismarck, ND
Salary	$7,885 to $13,140/month; pay depending on experience
Closing Date	October 18, 2026
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes

Summary of Work

Provides leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for the Department’s Fisheries Division. Directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of fisheries policies, programs, strategic initiatives, and regulatory activities to achieve Department and Division objectives. Advises the Director and Department leadership on fisheries-related issues, legislation, administrative rules, regulations, and program needs, and coordinates the development and implementation of fishing proclamations and related regulatory changes.

Serves as a primary representative and spokesperson for fisheries-related matters, maintaining effective communication with the public, media, fishing organizations, and other stakeholders. Develops and implements communication and outreach strategies, responds to public inquiries, and ensures fisheries information and issues are effectively communicated both internally and externally.

Provides fiscal and budgetary leadership for the Fisheries Division, including development and administration of the biennial budget, monitoring expenditures, allocating resources, evaluating funding requests, and preparing budget adjustments and enhancement requests. Advises the Director and Management Team regarding financial needs, priorities, and resource allocation.

Provides supervision and personnel management for Fisheries Division staff, including establishing and evaluating position accountabilities and performance measures, reviewing job descriptions, conducting performance appraisals, supporting employee development and career planning, and ensuring staff compliance with Department policies and procedures.

Monitors progress toward program objectives and performance measures and identifies opportunities to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and delivery of fisheries programs. Promotes collaboration among divisions and with external partners and ensures Fisheries Division activities are consistent with applicable state law, administrative rules, Department policies, and strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor’s degree in fisheries or wildlife management, biology, natural or earth science, or another field related to the program area, and eight years of related professional experience, including at least four years of supervisory or management experience; or a master’s degree in one of the fields listed above and six years of related professional experience, including at least three years of supervisory or management experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate must have:

Demonstrated experience applying fisheries management concepts and principles.
Experience supervising professional and support staff.
Experience with planning, preparation, administration, and monitoring of detailed budgets.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and a high level of responsibility.
The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, private landowners, natural resource professionals, government officials, organizations, and other stakeholders.
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with wildlife and fisheries management professionals and other Department staff.
The ability to work independently, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and adapt effectively to a fast-paced work environment.
Strong interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel as required.

Requires satisfactory completion of a background check.

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.

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.

Applications must be completed by 11:59pm 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 and 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.