Biologist II – Western Fisheries Supervisor, North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Location: Williston

Salary Range: $4,780 – $6,373 hiring range; $4,780 – $8,047 full range

Closing Date:  June 19, 2023

Type of Recruitment: Internal/External

This position offers an opportunity to work with a team of fisheries professionals dedicated to managing fisheries resources for the benefit of anglers and to maintain healthy aquatic resources in Western North Dakota.

While this position is stationed in Williston, North Dakota, your area of responsibility would cover roughly the western one-third of the state.  This work area includes lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams of varying size.  Situated on the shore of the Missouri River near the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea, this position also cooperates with Missouri River System biologists on Lake Sakakawea and the Yellowstone and upper Missouri Rivers.  

We are looking for a self-driven candidate with a passion to manage and enhance the sustainable use of North Dakota’s fisheries resources for the benefit of the public. We offer rewarding work opportunities with a competitive employee benefits package including a fully paid family health insurance plan, paid leave, retirement plan options, work-life balance/flexibility, and more! Benefits and extras

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries biology or fisheries management, or closely related natural resource science degree and four years of professional work experience with a fisheries or natural resource management agency.  A Master of Science degree may be substituted for two years of actual work experience.

The position requires demonstrated knowledge and experience in fisheries management practices, the ability to design, conduct and oversee fish population surveys, creel surveys, collection of other biological and limnological data, and conducting fish trapping and spawning operations.  Must be able to maintain accurate computer databases and analyze data with appropriate scientific interpretation. Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel).

Applicants must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the general public, private landowners, wildlife/fishing clubs, and other natural resource agency professionals. Must have or be able to obtain a Class D North Dakota driver’s license. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds over your head. Must be willing to travel extensively and work outdoors under all weather conditions, including some night work.

Requires satisfactory completion of a background check. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to individuals with:

• Experience supervising staff
• Applicants who actively fish

Application Procedures:

1. 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. 
2. Applicants must also upload a Cover Letter describing how the applicant’s ability and experience relates to the Summary of Work.
3. Applicants must upload a current Resume that includes information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted.
4. 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 11:59pm 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 Scott Gangl, Fisheries Management Section Leader at 701/328-6662 or [email protected] or for persons needing accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process, contact Kim Kary, Chief of Administrative Services at 701-328-6605.

For troubles or questions about applying on the online system, contact Melissa Long at [email protected] or [email protected].

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

Summary of Work:

The Northwest and Southwest Fisheries districts cover a 14-county area in western North Dakota with lakes and reservoirs ranging in size from 2 acres to 3,800 acres.  The Western Fisheries Supervisor is responsible for managing recreational fisheries and other aquatic resources in both districts, and assisting with management activities on the Upper Missouri River, the Yellowstone River, and upper Lake Sakakawea. Management work includes spawning fish, fish population and reproduction surveys, tagging studies, water quality monitoring, fish kill investigations, creel/angler surveys, presenting information via written reports and oral presentations, and scientifically analyzing fish population data to determine fish stocking rates, the need for special regulations, and other pertinent management actions.  Serves as local liaison with State, Federal and private organizations and individuals on various fisheries matters.  Works with other Department staff to develop and maintain fishing access areas.  Supervise two permanent staff members and numerous seasonal staff. 

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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is looking to hire an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Specialist to develop and conduct basic and applied research and outreach efforts with a focus on aquatic invasive species. The successful candidate will serve as a full time, 12-month academic professional who works with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the Illinois Natural History Survey—part of the Prairie Research Institute at University of Illinois—and will work from an office at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. They are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. University of Illinois participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.

We strongly encourage women, minorities, and people from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply. For more on Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s commitment to inclusion, please see our program’s values statement.

POSITION DETAILS

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead scientific field research for the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative to ensure completion of grant deliverables.
• Develop AIS outreach materials and participate in outreach events.
• Plan and facilitate meetings and workshops focused on AIS research and outreach.
• Present research findings at local, regional, national, and international meetings.
• Contribute to efforts in obtaining external resources to support research and outreach projects and programs (e.g., providing data summaries, costs of materials).
• Compile reports and effectively manage project funds.
• Contribute research findings to reports for funding agencies.

Bachelor’s degree required in biology, aquatic ecology, zoology, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience at it relates to this position. A minimum of two years of experience conducting basic and applied research is required. 

TO APPLY

To learn more about the position’s responsibilities and qualifications, visit the job posting on the University of Illinois job board. Applications are due by June 4, 2023.