Become a Wildlife Refuge Manager: Protecting Our Natural Legacy in South Dakota

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for conservation? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently recruiting a Wildlife Refuge Manager to help lead the Eastern South Dakota Wetland Management District Complex. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to manage public lands, oversee critical wildlife habitats, and foster lasting partnerships with the local community.

Job Responsibilities

As a Wildlife Refuge Manager, you will be the cornerstone of operational success for a complex network of refuges and wetlands. Your core duties include:

Leadership & Strategy: Setting direction for staff and ensuring science-based resource management.
Habitat Restoration: Leading conservation projects, monitoring wildlife populations, and protecting sensitive ecosystems.
Partnership Building: Engaging with tribal entities, local landowners, and agencies to address regional natural resource challenges.
Operational Management: Overseeing budgets, infrastructure projects, and equipment maintenance.
Public Engagement: Guiding visitor services, educational programming, and volunteer outreach.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level role, candidates must meet strict federal requirements, including:

Education: A degree in zoology, wildlife management, or a biology-related field with specific semester hours in zoology, wildlife courses, botany, and conservation biology.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-12 equivalent level.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Compliance: Ability to pass a background investigation, adhere to uniform standards, and file financial disclosures.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Experience

Feature	General Experience	Specialized Experience
Focus	Broad professional work	Habitat/Refuge management tasks
Requirement	Often degree-based	Must be at GS-12 equivalent level
Verification	Verified by transcripts	Verified by detailed resume/SF-50s

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $106,437 to $138,370. Beyond the salary, employees of the FWS enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
Paid federal holidays and annual leave.
Opportunities for professional growth and training.
Flexible telework arrangements tailored to operational needs.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages long and uses a minimum 10-point font. Clearly label your hours per week for every position held, as this is the only way recruiters can verify your specialized experience. Finally, submit your most recent performance appraisal—it is a mandatory document that, if missing, could result in your application being rejected.

If you are ready to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation, this role offers the perfect platform. Combine your leadership skills with your scientific expertise to preserve the natural beauty of South Dakota. Apply today to begin your journey with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Why This Wildlife Refuge Manager Job Matters

Take the lead in preserving America's wild heart. Become a Wildlife Refuge Manager in South Dakota and shape the future of our nation's conservation legacy.

Wildlife Refuge Manager Job Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager in Madison, South Dakota. This role is pivotal in overseeing the Eastern South Dakota Wetland Management District Complex, where you will guide a multidisciplinary team, manage conservation easements, and implement vital habitat restoration projects. You will act as a steward of our natural resources, balancing environmental science with operational excellence to protect waterfowl production areas and wildlife populations for generations to come.

Requirements for Wildlife Refuge Manager

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Successful completion of a background investigation and security clearance.
Must be registered for Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-59).
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Submission of academic transcripts to verify mandatory education requirements.
Must adhere to professional uniform standards.
Completion of a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildlife Refuge Manager

Significant experience in wildlife or habitat management at the GS-12 level.
Proven success in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex land operations.
Expertise in drafting and coordinating conservation plans or environmental reviews.
Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining partnerships with local communities and tribes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health and Life Insurance programs
✓Retirement benefits and plans
✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
✓Uniform allowance provided
✓Telework opportunities (with supervisor approval)
✓Career development and professional training

💡 How to Apply Wildlife Refuge Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wildlife Refuge Manager Job

Carefully review the entire job announcement for specific documentation needs.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages long, including hours worked per week and dates in MM/YYYY format.
Gather your most recent performance appraisal (signed within the last 18 months).
Obtain copies of all official or unofficial college transcripts.
Submit your complete application, including all required questionnaires and assessments, via the official online portal before the deadline.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must not exceed the two-page limit; extra pages will be discarded.
Be specific about your hours worked per week; failure to note 'full-time' or specific hours may affect your eligibility.
Do not submit award-based SF-50 forms; use only personnel action SF-50s showing grade and tenure.
Ensure your resume includes clear dates and details regarding your GS grade levels if you have federal experience.
Double-check that all required documents are in the correct format; do not use Adobe portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?

No, this position requires a specific combination of specialized experience and mandatory education; education cannot be used as a total substitute for the required work experience.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?

Your application will be deemed incomplete and you will lose consideration for the position. Stick strictly to the two-page limit.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, the position is telework-eligible, subject to the approval of your supervisor.

Can I submit my transcript as a list of courses?

No. You must submit official or unofficial transcripts that clearly state your school name, credit hours, and GPA.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The focus is on the administrative and biological management of the Eastern South Dakota Wetland Management District Complex.

Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is dedicated to protecting and managing America’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Within the DOI, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) serves a vital mission: working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. By joining the FWS, you contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship that supports the benefit of all Americans.