Wildlife Management (Spearfish, Custer: 2009, schools, universities)

[jmmcnally]

I am a wildlife management student and plan on working for the government. What are good ideas as far as relocation, pay, cost of living, etc?

Also, I plan on furthering my education by getting a masters in wildlife biology. I think that should affect where I accept a job at.

[DannyBanany]

The best place to work with wildlife in South Dakota is probably in the Black Hills. There's just really no comparison anywhere else. There are dozens of state and national parks, ranger stations, and visitors centers throughout the Black Hills for you to choose from. You'd most likely have to get in contact with the GF&P to get better acquainted with programs and get information on where to work.

Wouldn't it be nice to work in Custer State Park?

[jmmcnally]

I have actually never been to South Dakota, but from the info I have gathered about your lovely state, I would love to live there!

Thanks for your input.

[Jammie]

Well, come on up. We'll leave the light on fer ya.

I echo what Danny said~The Black Hills area would be your best bet. I'm not sure if Black Hills State offers master's degrees. Does anyone know?

[jmmcnally]

I know one of the Montana universities is supposed to have a great wildlife department. LMAO, should I go there? (I am kidding...)

I probably will wait until the semester before graduation before really looking.

[no8fann]

The state currently is under a hiring freeze, so you probably won't find much right now. I know I'm not! The feds are still posting positions, but not moving very quickly...with the new administration coming in, it's entirely likely that there will be a fed freeze, too, after the middle of January. I am starting to look more into private sector. I don't know which schools out there offer a MS in wildlife science, but you might check into CSU in Ft. Collins. That might be a better move. The National Wildlife Research Center is there, and they are one of the major schools for wildlife in the US. If you want additional info, dm me. I currently work for Wildlife Services in IN, and I am trying to get out there, too.

[jmmcnally]

Yeah, I still have almost two years before I graduate, but I like to have a plan. Just keep me updated on your plans. That sucks cause if I got to choose, South Dakota was gonna be my choice.

[no8fann]

That's a good idea. I will tell you, both from a woman's pov in this field, and that of a professional...finish your MS if you want a good start in wildlife management...a focus on disease biology would be a plus for you! It's one of the biggest future fields in WM. Like I said, DM me, and I can give you more info!

[pejuta]

i live in spearfish,where the black hills college(univ)? is. im at library and my brain isnt thawed out from walking in cold yet this morning,so i forget whether called univ. or college. there is also a forest service office here. there are several in the hills. i went to nm to visit friends (thought i might stay,but came back here). i was in sw nm and thought id like to work in gila forest as volunteer. found application forms on forest service site and filled out and emailed ranger office in silver city, but no openings til 2009. have to apply way ahead of time. you can find the forest service and other gov agencies easily on internet search. i use yahoo. rangers ,other staff generally ans. email promptly and with courtesy. if no openings when you are ready,perhaps some hiking/camping trips would help give you some personal education on areas of interest. talk to people you meet. contacts can be of help. best wishes.

[pejuta]

i was looking at a booklet on spearfish i got at chamber of commerce. the university has a pre professional forestry (or something like that) course. brain frozen again . i dont have the booklet with me at library. the website is www.bhsu.edu (Spearfish, South Dakota) meaning black hills state university. they have lots of courses of all kinds. i am amazed. it is located in west spearfish with crow peak behind it to west. beautiful view!!!!!