Biologist Wildlife Health

Biologist I Wildlife Health – North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Join to apply for the Biologist I Wildlife Health role at North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Location
:
Bismarck, ND
Salary Range
: $4,808 - $5,917 hiring range
Closing Date
:
November 16, 2025
Type of Recruitment
:
Internal/External

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work with a stellar team of wildlife professionals to monitor wildlife populations and health issues throughout North Dakota. The work you do will directly contribute to harvest management and conservation planning throughout the state. While this position is stationed in Bismarck, North Dakota, your responsibilities will allow you to explore all corners of the state including a wide range of dynamic terrain and beautiful landscapes.

We are looking for a candidate with a passion to help protect, perpetuate and enhance the sustainable use of North Dakota's wildlife resources for the benefit of the public now and in the future. 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!

Collaborate with the Wildlife Veterinarian to develop, coordinate and implement annual CWD surveillance, including training Department staff and others on proper collection, organizing sample receiving, processing and submission. Acquire, review, and analyze data, write reports and maintain records and files. Assist with disease investigations involving other emerging wildlife health threats (bovine tuberculosis, avian Influenza, environmental toxicants, etc.). Supervise, train, and assist seasonal employees.

Remain current with ongoing research and published literature on CWD and other emerging wildlife health threats. Serve on the Department's CWD Taskforce and collaborate with Department staff to develop and implement CWD regulations, management programs and research. Develop and deliver public education and outreach materials, communicate CWD-specific regulations and policies to the public and represent the Department at public meetings and other public relation events.

Develop and maintain working relationships with taxidermists, meat lockers, sportsman's groups, and landowners; serve as a consistent, point-of-contact for such groups. Participate in other Departmental surveys and management programs. Other duties as assigned.

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology or wildlife management, or closely related natural resource science degree and one year of professional work experience with a wildlife or natural resource management agency. A Master's degree in a closely related field can substitute for one year of work experience. The position requires a working knowledge of wildlife diseases, population management and life cycle ecology.

The individual must possess excellent interpersonal skills and well-developed oral and written communication skills, be highly responsible, be well organized and have attention to detail. Must have the ability to work with wildlife management professionals, agricultural professionals, the medical and general public. Must be self-motivated and adaptable to a fast-paced work environment. Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word and Excel).

Must possess strong organizational and project coordination skills and work independently on multiple tasks with overlapping deadlines. Must be able to work collaboratively with others on cooperative projects and to resolve problems. Must have a valid driver's license, be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be willing to travel. Requires satisfactory completion of a background check.

• Experience performing necropsies or sample collection in laboratory or field settings.
• Experience planning, developing, and carrying out disease monitoring program(s) in wildlife populations.
• Experience communicating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience training and supervising seasonal staff.
• Experience with…