Regional Program Manager - Wildlife Damage (Game, Fish and Parks Program Specialist)(Job Id 14295)
Job ID: 14295
Agency: Department of Game, Fish and Parks / Division of Wildlife
Salary: $44,223.84 - $56,376.00 annually, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GJ
Closing Date: 07/20/2020
This is a full-time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit http://gfp.sd.gov.
This position will serve the Regional Program Manager for Wildlife Damage Management in the western region (13 counties) of South Dakota and will direct the work of 9 wildlife damage specialists, along with seasonal and intern employees within this geographic area. The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of programs and management activities associated with animal damage control, wildlife damage management and wildlife health and disease issues; work with a broad cross-section of agency staff, landowners, sportsmen, and other agencies to effectively wildlife damage; and participate in development of harvest and management recommendations as part of the department's annual/biannual season setting process as well as provide technical input for species management plans being reviewed. The position is supervised by the Regional Terrestrial Resources Supervisor.
Routine in-state travel is required.
Works in typical office environment but frequently works outdoors in all weather conditions as well. The incumbent will be required to supervise a remote field staff and may require some overnight travel and will frequently take part in aerial surveys, both fixed wing and rotary wing.
Licenses and Certifications:
Incumbent will be required to obtain - a valid driver's license, a South Dakota Department of Agriculture commercial applicators license with certifications in categories 12 (rodenticide) and 13 (M-44 device). and complete ATV/UTV Training, safety training, or other similar requirements.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Applicants possessing extensive experience with a variety of methods used in removing predators in depredation situations and a working knowledge of theories and methods used to address wildlife damage concerns are preferred. Also, applicants with experience with wildlife damage management activities including but not limited to wildlife live trapping and transfer operations, wildlife removal practices including both live catch and kill-type traps as well as extensive knowledge and experience with the use and operation a variety of methods commonly used for predator removal are desirable.
Knowledge of:
- methods used to remove predators depredating livestock including but not limited to calling, trapping, snaring, M-44's, aerial control and denning;
- the principles and practices of wildlife damage abatement techniques, animal damage control, and wildlife diseases;
- techniques and tactics used to effectively manage wildlife and wildlife depredation;
- ecology of game and non-game species, and socio-economic factors affecting habitat and populations;
- personnel and fiscal management;
- basic principles and terminology of data processing.
Skill to:
- effectively communicate and train staff in the methods for predator removal using a variety of methods;
- work effectively with agency staff, diverse members of the public, conservation organizations, landowners and livestock producers in managing the state's diverse wildlife populations;
- formulate hunting season, management and harvest recommendations for all managed wildlife populations;
- draft and review of wildlife management plans in coordination with other agency staff;
- operate computers and needed programs.
Ability to:
- effectively engage and communicate with diverse publics regarding wildlife management programs and challenges;
- interact with the public, resource management agencies and wildlife resources;
- deliver effective public involvement opportunities;
- develop effective wildlife research projects;
- collaborate with other agency staff to develop effective program guidelines, projects, surveys and wildlife damage strategies;
- implement urban wildlife management programs in and around urban or metro areas;
- write effective reports;
- organize and analyze information and draw sound conclusions;
- effectively evaluate agency programs and services and collaborate with others to improve them;
- lead and direct agency staff and supervise all program functions;
- effectively plan, assign, and organize work activities and prioritize task completion to meet deadlines;
- recommend budget, material, and equipment needs.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE
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 offers paid employee health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation leave accrual, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information please visit https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
500 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Fax: 605.773.4344
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"