You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager with US Fish and Wildlife Service, leading staff and overseeing National Wildlife Refuges, Wetland Management Districts, and Refuge Complexes. You will apply expert knowledge to solve complex wildlife and land management challenges, advance conservation efforts, protect natural resources, and support the FWS mission.
The Wildlife Refuge Manager will help lead the Eastern South Dakota Wetland Management District Complex including the oversight of operations.
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Lead and manage overall refuge operations, setting direction for staff and ensuring high-quality, science-based resource management with a focus on administering a network of conservation easements and fee-title waterfowl production areas and national wildlife refuges across eastern South Dakota.
Oversee biological and habitat management programs, including conservation projects, restoration efforts, research, and monitoring to support wildlife populations and healthy ecosystems. Guide the development and implementation of long-range plans, including land management strategies, conservation plans, and resource protection initiatives.
Build partnerships with tribes, local communities, agencies, and conservation organizations to advance shared resource goals and address complex natural resource issues. Manage budgets, staffing needs, and administrative operations, ensuring effective use of resources and sound business practices. Oversee facilities and equipment maintenance and guide development of infrastructure projects that support refuge operations and public access.
Direct visitor services programs, including public use activities, education, interpretation, and volunteer engagement to support safe, meaningful outdoor experiences. Supervise and lead a multidisciplinary team, overseeing program performance, budget and resource management, workforce development, and operational excellence to achieve mission objectives.
This position does not allow substituting education for experience. This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc.
will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications
This position is with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $106437 – $138370/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-13.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-30 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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