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Deer Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Wildlife Biologist

Pierre, SD · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

... Biologist to lead the state's white tailed and mule deer management program. This position provides ... The Deer Program Leader will serve as the Department's main contact on deer management, responsible ...

... big game animals such as deer, elk, bears, lions, moose, and sheep. Wildlife surveys and ... The biologist must have a clear understanding of the habitat requirements of important endemic and ...

Deer Valley - 19829 N 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85027 Category: Laboratory Services Shift: Night ... Bachelors in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical or biological science OR ...

Deer Valley - 19829 N 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85027 Category: Laboratory Services Shift: Night ... Bachelors in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical or biological science OR ...

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Deer Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do deer biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for deer biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying wildlife biology job?

The highest paying wildlife biology jobs are often senior roles such as wildlife managers, conservation directors, or research scientists in government agencies or private industry, with salaries exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive experience tend to offer higher compensation in the field of wildlife biology.

What does a deer biologist do?

A deer biologist studies the behavior, ecology, and population dynamics of deer species. They often conduct field research, collect data, and analyze environmental factors to inform wildlife management and conservation efforts. This role may require skills in data collection, tracking, and understanding of ecological principles.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For a Deer Biologist or related wildlife roles, earning $3,000 a month without a degree is uncommon, as these positions typically require specialized education. However, some related jobs like wildlife technicians, park rangers, or environmental technicians may reach this income level with experience, certifications, or seasonal work. Many of these roles involve outdoor work, field skills, and sometimes certifications rather than formal degrees.

What is a Deer Biologist job?

A Deer Biologist studies deer populations, behavior, and habitats to help manage and conserve their species. They conduct field research, track population trends, and assess the health of deer herds. Their work often involves collaborating with wildlife agencies, hunters, and conservation groups to develop sustainable management plans. Deer Biologists may also address issues like habitat loss, disease control, and human-wildlife conflicts.

Is wildlife biology in high demand?

Wildlife biology, including roles like deer biologists, is experiencing steady demand due to increasing conservation efforts and environmental awareness. Employment opportunities are often found in government agencies, research institutions, and environmental organizations, with skills in data collection, habitat management, and GIS tools being valuable. However, competition can be high, and advanced degrees or specialized certifications may improve job prospects.

What does a typical workday look like for a Deer Biologist?

A typical workday for a Deer Biologist often includes a combination of fieldwork—such as monitoring deer populations, collecting biological samples, and setting up tracking equipment—and office tasks like data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder meetings. Depending on the season, you might spend extended hours outdoors conducting research or performing habitat assessments. Deer Biologists frequently collaborate with land managers, government agencies, and conservation groups to implement management strategies. In addition to research, there may be opportunities for public outreach or educational programs to promote wildlife conservation. This diverse mix of responsibilities provides variety and the chance to make a direct impact on deer populations and ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Deer Biologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deer Biologist, you need a background in wildlife biology or ecology, experience with population surveying, and often a relevant bachelor's or master’s degree. Familiarity with GIS software, radio telemetry, statistical analysis tools, and sometimes specific certifications such as a Wildlife Society certification are common technical requirements. Strong observational skills, problem-solving ability, and effective communication for reporting and collaborating with landowners or agencies are valuable soft skills. Mastering these competencies ensures accurate research, effective wildlife management, and productive collaboration with stakeholders.

More about Deer Biologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Deer Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Deer Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Deer Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Deer Biologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Deer Biologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Senior Wildlife Biologist

Senior Wildlife Biologist

State of South Dakota

Pierre, SD • On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


State Of South Dakota rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 36461
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Location:Pierre, SD; Ft. Pierre, SD; Chamberlain, SDSalary: $66,523.68-$91,500.00 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 07/16/2026
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

All we need is you to join our team! 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!

Who We're Looking For?
  • 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?

What You Will Do
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks is seeking a dynamic, relationship driven wildlife professional as a Senior Wildlife Biologist to lead the state's white tailed and mule deer management program. This position provides comprehensive oversight of deer management, research, and monitoring efforts statewide. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific expertise with exceptional interpersonal skills to guide strategy, build partnerships, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
The Deer Program Leader will serve as the Department's main contact on deer management, responsible for shaping long term vision, developing research and monitoring strategies, and crafting hunting season and habitat recommendations. Success in this role requires strong technical skills along with the ability to collaborate effectively, listen to others, contribute to team efforts, and build trust with internal staff, external partners, and the public.
Responsibilities will include the following:
  • Coordinate statewide deer management - Serve as the Department's primary expert guiding deer management plans, habitat and research priorities, monitoring objectives, and hunting season recommendations
  • Build strong working relationships - Collaborate with wildlife managers, tribal and federal government partners, biologists, landowners, hunters, and other stakeholders to strengthen information based approaches to deer management
  • Collaborative team contributor - Ability to step into both supporting and leadership roles, fostering a positive, cooperative, and high performing work environment
  • Communicate complex information - Clearly convey deer management strategies, research findings, and recommendations to internal staff, the public, partner agencies, and decision makers
  • Provide analytical leadership - Oversee survey design, monitoring, and interpretation of deer hunter, harvest, and population trends, in addition to landowner opinion and other stakeholder trends
  • Advance innovation - Lead the adoption of new technologies and analytical tools to improve program efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness
  • Produce and review scientific work - Author, coauthor, or review technical reports and scientific publications in collaboration with project leaders and staff
  • Stay current in the field - Review scientific literature and participate in professional conferences, meetings, and training at multiple levels

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Game Fish & Parks. Working conditions will include a typical office environment for the majority of time. At times, work will be conducted under adverse weather conditions and in low-flying aircraft. This position may also deal with sick and diseased wildlife, chemical immobilization drugs, and capture/restraint of wild animals. For more information on the Department of Game Fish & Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/.
Licenses and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science degree preferred.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Preferred experience would be an individual with an M.S. or Ph.D. in wildlife management or related degree that is supplemented by several years of experience with a wildlife management agency responsible for developing hunting season regulations.
Knowledge of:
  • Deer management, habitat requirements, harvest and population dynamics, and wildlife disease ecology
  • Social science, public engagement practices, and legal frameworks that shape deer management and regulatory authority, including the roles and rights of tribal, federal, state, and private entities
  • Deer population modeling, abundance estimation, and demographic analysis
  • Public trust principles and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Skill to:
  • Apply advanced computer skills using database management and analysis software including Program R and ArcGIS Pro
  • Analyze and interpret scientific data and documents
  • Manage large, complex datasets with accuracy and efficiency

Ability to:
  • Communicate effectively through public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and technical writing
  • Provide strong leadership and guide team priorities and workloads
  • Represent and promote departmental priorities with professionalism and credibility
  • Conduct applied wildlife research independently or collaboratively
  • Organize work, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines
  • Follow detailed sampling protocols with precision
  • Maintain exceptional attention to detail in field notes, reports, and publications

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your CV.
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.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4AC
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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