Wildlife Damage Program Manager

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.

Our atmosphere empowers professional success and team building, while fostering relationships to build a culture focused on our four strategic plan goals.

• Habitat and Access
• Asset Management
• Customer Service
• Operational excellence

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 on a game production area. The outdoors provides for a pretty nice corner office!

• Do you have a high degree of professional ethics and integrity?
• Are you excellent at organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks and projects while maintaining a positive attitude?
• Do you welcome the opportunity to tackle problems and think quickly to find innovative solutions?
• Are you an effective, outgoing communicator who enjoys providing superior service to customers, leadership, and other employees?

This Wildlife Damage Program Manager will provide supervisory oversight and administrative support to 9 regional Wildlife Damage Specialists. The incumbent will develop/modify training plans and work schedules for Wildlife Damage Specialists as well as oversee and manage expenditures for a budget totaling $1.4 million dollars. This position will assist with and facilitate meetings with landowners and predator districts covering topics that include predator damage to livestock as well as game animal damage to stored feeds.

This position will provide in the field supervision to regional staff as well as answer questions from members of the public. Some travel time will be required. Primary depredating species in the region include coyotes, beaver, elk, mule deer, white‑tailed deer and turkeys. This position will also supervise and provide oversight for the state houndsman providing responses to depredation calls involving mountain lions and black bears.

A state vehicle may be provided.

This is a Full‑Time (40hrs per week) position with the Department of Game Fish & Parks.

• A demonstrated history and experience with animal damage control programs and the variety of tools used in the program.
• Experience in the use and practical application of firearms including shotguns, rifles and handguns.
• Supervisory experience.
• A demonstrated ability to use basic computer software including Microsoft Office.
• The ability to prepare and present information to peers and the public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

To be considered, please attach your cover letter and resume.

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

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.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.