Wildlife Diversity Biologist

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 31294
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Location:Ft. Pierre, SD; Chamberlain, SDSalary: $27.49-$32.00 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 05/13/2025

This is a Full-Time position with the Game Fish & Parks. For more information on the Game Fish & Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/ .

Why the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks?
Working for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is not just a job. It is a life passion. It is about working together as a team with colleagues, customers, landowners, and partner organizations to ensure that our state's outdoor heritage lives on for the next generation. Providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities for people to enjoy is one of the best jobs in state government.

All we need is you to join our team! Sound like a good fit so far?

As a South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks employee, here is what you will experience:

• Innovation - the GFP team is consistently revolutionizing enhancements to outdoor recreation in terms of technology and customer experience. We invite new ideas and interaction from our employees.
• Collaboration and Communication- our employees work with various teams, programs, and divisions within the agency, outside state and federal agencies and public stakeholders. We want all employees to know that their voice will be heard as we continuously work towards our future goals.
• Professional Development- We provide training and support for you to become an expert in the field and obtain the skills necessary to be successful in your position.
• Task Diversity - the work duties are never boring. Your duties may include meetings with coworkers, collaborating with other government representatives, representing the Department at Commission meetings and national conferences, visiting one of our state parks and recreation areas or working to enhance habitat. The outdoors provides for a nice corner office!

This position will serve as South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks' wildlife diversity biologist in Central South Dakota.

The incumbent will:

• Develop and help implement State Wildlife Grants projects, focused on research, inventory, and monitoring of state species of greatest conservation need.
• Conduct wildlife surveys and other field projects related to nongame wildlife and unique native habitats.
• Offer technical expertise and work collaboratively with habitat biologists to enhance habitats for nongame and rare species in Central South Dakota.
• Assist with the revision and implementation of the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan.
• Assist with periodic status reviews of state threatened and endangered species.
• Assist with the environmental review of proposed projects across the state.
• Help manage the Natural Heritage Database, ensuring accurate records are maintained for rare, unique or vulnerable plants, animals and biological communities.
• Assist with the evaluation, approval, and issuance of statewide Scientific Collector's Permits, ensuring compliance with regulations and monitoring permit holder activities to prevent overcollection of sensitive species.
• Provide expertise and assistance in responding to miscellaneous nongame, species of greatest conservation need, and threatened and endangered species inquiries, offering support to department staff and stakeholders in Central South Dakota.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A degree (B.S or M.S.) in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or closely related discipline is preferred.

Experience conducting wildlife surveys, wildlife research, short and long-term monitoring programs, analyzing data, and writing reports. Qualified candidates must be self-motivated, have strong people skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team. Further, candidates must have a strong desire to make a difference and be passionate about serving the public and native species and habitats, while carrying out the Game, Fish and Parks' mission.

Knowledge of:

• life history and habitat requirements of wildlife species in South Dakota;
• habitat management practices that support diverse wildlife species and ecological processes;
• established methods and procedures used in wildlife management and research;
• environmental review processes related to wildlife and habitat conservation;
• state and federal threatened and endangered species laws, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and additional regulations related to federal conservation partner.

Skill to:

• lead current and new projects and initiatives to ensure delivery of measurable outcomes;
• analyze and interpret data and scientific documents;
• write clear, concise scientific and technical reports for both scientific and general audiences;
• manage databases and use geographic information systems (GIS);
• read and interpret environmental policy and law.

Ability to:

• accomplish work tasks both independently and as a member of a team;
• manage time effectively to meet deadlines and shifting priorities;
• communicate effectively and foster team collaboration;
• build and maintain productive partnerships with agencies, organizations, landowners, tribes, and academic institutions;
• follow detailed data sampling protocols without direct supervision;
• provide a high level of attention to detail and accurately record data in field notes, reports, and databases;
• operate a variety of on- and off-road vehicles.

Other:

• At times, job responsibilities may require a flexible work schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Duties may also occasionally involve travel away from the duty station, and fieldwork may be required in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.
• Job duties and priorities may change at any time, and the incumbent must be adaptable to these changes.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume/CV.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1KL
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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