Wildlife Refuge Manager

The Wildlife Refuge Manager at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Coleharbor, ND, oversees wildlife refuge administration, staff supervision, budgeting, and coordination with stakeholders. The role requires knowledge of wildlife management and involves planning land conservation, habitat development, and research programs. The manager represents the agency in discussions with officials and the public, advocating for the refuge's needs while ensuring ecological integrity.
About the position

The Wildlife Refuge Manager position at the Central North Dakota Wetland Management District is a critical role that involves overseeing the administration and management of wildlife refuges. The incumbent will provide direction and guidance for various aspects of refuge management, including staff supervision, planning, budgeting, and coordination of activities with various stakeholders. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of wildlife management principles and practices, as well as the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the public. In this role, the Wildlife Refuge Manager will supervise a diverse team of professional, technical, administrative, maintenance, and clerical staff. Responsibilities include planning and assigning work, establishing performance standards, evaluating staff performance, and managing personnel actions. The manager will also oversee land conservation activities, habitat development, and research programs, ensuring that all activities align with the goals of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing annual work plans and budgets, as well as interacting with various agencies and interest groups to formulate long-range management plans for the refuge's natural resources. Representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the manager will act as an expert in discussions with elected officials, environmental groups, and the general public, advocating for the refuge's needs and objectives. This position is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of the refuge while balancing the interests of various stakeholders.

Responsibilities
• Supervise professional, technical, administrative, maintenance, and clerical staff of the Refuge.
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• Plan, assign, and review work; establish performance standards and evaluate performance.
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• Oversee land conservation activities, habitat development, and wildlife inventory and monitoring activities.
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• Develop and implement annual work plans, budgets, and program schedules.
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• Interact with state, local, and federal agencies to formulate long-range management plans for the refuge.
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• Represent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with various stakeholders, including government officials and environmental groups.

Requirements
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
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• Possess a degree in zoology, wildlife management, or a related field with specific coursework in zoology, wildlife courses, botany, and conservation biology.
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• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the federal service, including planning and directing management operations in a natural resource setting.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in managing a diverse team in a land conservation setting.
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• Knowledge of wildlife refuge management principles and techniques.
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• Ability to develop and administer budgets, partnerships, and grants.

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.