Description
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.
Requirements
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.
