Conservation and Communications Division Chief

Location: Bismarck, NDSalary Range: $7,360 to $12,267/mo.Closing Date: December 8, 2024Status: Full-timeType of Recruitment: Internal/External



Direct the activities of the Conservation and Communications Division of the ND Game and Fish Department. Develop the Department's position on matters affecting fish and wildlife resources and provide current game, fish and other natural resource information through training programs, educational programs, educational publications, seminars, workshops, media and other products.Duties performed include:Direct planning efforts with government agencies, industry, and other public and private entities involved in programs and projects that affect the fish and wildlife resources of North Dakota, i.e. energy development, highway construction, water development, and related projects. Plan and develop Department's course of action to alleviate, minimize, or mitigate actions by private industry that adversely affect fish and wildlife habitat. Plan, develop, direct, and evaluate programs designated to provide information and education to citizens and concerned groups about game, fish, and other natural resource laws, safety, and current issues through the use of print materials, audio visual programs, workshops, and seminars. Facilitate interagency coordination at federal, state, and local levels that creates awareness of fish and wildlife habitat concerns and emphasizes resource protection through the avoidance of adverse impacts. Direct National Environmental Policy Act compliance of Department management activities on federal land, including bighorn sheep and elk management planning. Coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service and other appropriate entities on all aspects of National Grasslands planning and management. Communicate with other Division Chiefs as needed to share information and coordinate work activities that require a cooperative effort for the accomplishment of department goals and objectives. Provide supervision, direction, and leadership to the staff through meetings, job descriptions, and evaluations; provide for training that supports employee and department goals. Oversee the planning, preparation, and expenditure of the division budget. Administer the Department's non-game and threatened and endangered species programs. Present information regarding Department programs at professional resource management meetings, advisory board meetings, sportsman and civic club meetings, and other public gatherings.Direct and oversee delivery of Department's education programs: Hunter Education, Hooked On Fishing, Fur Harvester Education, and Boat and Water Safety, including the guidance of its volunteer instructors.Provide and administer grant program for public shooting range development with cooperating entities throughout the state. Prepare both popular (i.e. North Dakota Outdoors) and technical articles explaining and evaluating the various Department programs, projects, and goals. Participate in the review and evaluation of Department wide enhancement projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, natural or earth science or a related natural resource discipline or a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or administration, journalism or English or a bachelor's degree in education, outdoor education, recreation administration, business administration or another field related to the program area plus 8 years of related experience, four of which must have been in a supervisory or management capacity. Or a master's degree in one of the fields indicated and six years of related experience, three of which must have been in a supervisory or management capacity.This position requires experience in applying management concepts. Applicants must have the 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 general public. Must be self-motivated and adaptable to a fast-paced work environment. Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office productions (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. Requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given for:Experience, knowledge and understanding of fish and wildlife management, fishing and hunting, fish and wildlife habitat conservation, and hunter/angler recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts and strategies.Knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act to include ND State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).Knowledge of mitigation policy as it relates to energy development in ND, including wind and oil and gas energy.Supervisory experience of employees.Budget development, management, and overseeing.Experience in public communications and networking.Experience and participation in hunting, fishing and other related outdoor recreational activities.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore RooseveltMore than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

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. Applicants must also upload a cover letter describing how the applicant's ability and experience relates to the .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 11:59pm 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.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 Kim Kary, Chief of Administrative Services at 701-328-6605.For troubles or questions about applying on the online system, contact Melissa Long at malong@nd.gov or recruiter@nd.gov.ND Relay Number: 1-800-366-6888

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.