Bismarck, ND (KXNET) — After eight years, Governor Doug Burgum is wrapping up his time in office. He's now preparing to take on a cabinet position under President-elect Donald Trump, but Governor Burgum says there are a few things to finish up in Bismarck before he and his wife officially move to Washington, D.C. "When you say 'yes' to a meeting, you're probably saying 'no' to three other ones," Gov. Burgum said. He has a tight calendar, but with hours remaining in his second term, Burgum says he's making sure to pencil in plenty of time for gratitude on the way out. "You're like a fireman. You're on call, but you never get a shift off, if you've got a wildfire that starts at midnight or a police officer who's shot," Gov. Burgum said. "This is a job where it's a seven by 24 by 365 job, but that is part of the privilege of serving." Burgum's final week in office was mostly business as usual. That included one last industrial commission and state water commission meeting. "I'd like to have stuff wrapped up, as opposed to hand it off to Kelly, I'd rather have it all wrapped up with a bow on it, so my team's been pushing very hard just like we did on the budget," Burgum said. Gov. Burgum and Lt. Gov. Miller receive resolutions for water development It's a reversal of sorts for Burgum, who's preparing to head to Washington, D.C. just as fellow Republican and Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong is returning to North Dakota after serving three terms in congress. "Kelly is exceptionally well positioned to step right into this role, having the work that he did when he was working as a defender in the court system," Burgum said. As he prepares to leave office, Burgum is touting North Dakota's current economic climate, as well as some of the achievements he and state leaders have accumulated in the last eight years. "We're making government more efficient. We've cut income taxes completely for 60 percent of North Dakotans," Burgum said. "That allows them to keep more money in their pockets." Burgum remembers at the beginning of his term, the DAPL Protests were intensifying at Standing Rock. But in his eight years, he says he's worked to improve tribal relations. In the last year, Burgum has also logged thousands of miles campaigning with Donald Trump as the former president made his case to voters for a second term. At a gathering in Mar-a-Lago last month, Trump announced he wanted Burgum to join him as Secretary of the Interior. "I've been sort of working two jobs right now, wrapping up governor and trying to get wrapped up there. But I can jump into that full time starting this next weekend," Burgum said. BLM dismisses concerns about RMP, Burgum files appeal For Burgum, it's the first time in almost a decade that he'll have a few weeks living as a civilian. He says he'll get to enjoy the holidays, but in the new year, life only becomes more hectic. "It's about 75, 76 days in that time frame, and it's a little bit like a startup. Because there's hundreds and hundreds of positions that need to be appointed," Burgum said. As he waits on his confirmation hearing, it'll be former governor and now senator John Hoeven who serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee who'll likely be instrumental in Burgum's hearing. "As Governor of my home state of North Dakota, Doug has the right background and experience to lead the Department of the Interior and all of the industry's energy efforts," Sen. Hoeven said last month in a floor speech. "John came back into his old office here a couple weeks ago and we spent two hours together one evening after hours and talking through," Burgum said. "He's been on the other side of these confirmation hearings. He's been through hundreds and hundreds of these. I'm sure he's been through a thousand interviews." Meanwhile, in his expected role, Burgum could also be instrumental in policymaking in western North Dakota, including finishing construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, as well as the fate of almost 200 wild horses in Teddy Roosevelt National Park. North Dakota regulators OK underground storage for proposed Midwest carbon dioxide pipeline "We've got a couple hundred in the park in North Dakota, they've got tens of thousands across some of these lands across the west. And I think there's governors from all over these western states who are calling for new approaches, regardless of party," Burgum said. "So, I'm excited for the fact that I think there's an opportunity to come in and think about doing things differently." Burgum hasn't said just yet what that approach to the horses could be, but he recognizes the affection and the attention the wild horses attract. "They're the most popular living things in our state, including every politician, every coach, every sports team," Burgum said. "They've got a following like none other." Meanwhile, as he prepares for a move of several thousand miles to take on a new federal role, Burgum says he can still be instrumental in the state's future success. "I think the legacy I have relative to North Dakota is unfinished. I hope there are still people who are looking forward as opposed to looking back, because we've got more work to do. And I'm optimistic I'll be in a position to positively impact North Dakota in the new roles I hope to have," Burgum said. Because not only could he be serving as Interior Secretary, but also as the chairman of the newly formed National Energy Council. So far, the Senate is set to adjourn for Christmas and New Year's on December 20th.A spokesperson for Senator Hoeven's office tells KX News that Burgum's confirmation wouldn't happen until at least January 3rd. 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