Fisheries Division Chief

Location:

Bismarck, ND

Salary Range: $7,885 - $13,140/mo.; pay depending on experience

Closing Date:
October 18, 2026

Status:
Full-time

Type of Recruitment:
Internal/External

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. 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.

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,…