Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking dedicated individuals committed to protecting Iowa's natural resources and providing citizens with recreational opportunities. We currently have two openings for a Wildlife Technician - one at each of these units: Otter Creek Wildlife Unit and Great Lakes Wildlife Unit.

What We're Looking For From You

A description of how you demonstrate the critical job competencies, how you can perform the essential functions of the job, and how you meet the education/experience in the Job Description. Please note: Applicants are encouraged to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

Habitat Management

Duties & Responsibilities of a Wildlife Technician:

Execute management plans for WMAs, including grass/forb seedings, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, tree plantings, and wildlife food plantings.
Conduct seasonal water level monitoring and manipulation within wetlands to maintain desired habitat conditions.
Control noxious and other weeds, and manage habitat leases.
Operate motor vehicles, chainsaws, and apply herbicides and chemicals as needed.

Facility Development And Maintenance

Repair and maintain all WMU facilities, including buildings, signs, roads, bridges, and water control structures.
Recommend and construct new facilities such as ID signs, boundary fences, roads, parking lots, and boat ramps.
Operate heavy equipment, supervise contractors, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Project Administration

Assist with report and document preparation, daily oversight of temporary staff, and instruction of safe work practices.
Communicate with biologists and supervisors regarding personnel issues and emergencies.
Attend district and statewide meetings, record equipment use, and assist with purchasing and contract supervision.
Participate in information and education activities, including presentations and training sessions.

Population Management

Participate in trapping and banding of various species for population monitoring and research projects.
Conduct annual counts and surveys of game and non-game species and their habitats.
Utilize weapons in compliance with state policies for dispatching injured or dangerous animals and conducting research.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions outlined in the job description.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
Experience or education transferable to the job description.
Must be able to operate heavy equipment and utilize weapons in compliance with state policies.

Essential Functions

Function within a small field work team to accomplish needed land management activities.
Perform strenuous work and withstand physically demanding work. Work outside under any type of weather conditions, including inclement conditions.
Conduct basic wildlife management projects utilizing knowledge of wildlife management techniques and perform specific techniques based on science-driven information.
Relate knowledge of basic state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to wildlife resources to the general public, stakeholders, DNR staff, management staff or other key resources in Iowa.

Applicants must meet requirements of DAS Selective Certification #901 - Wildlife Biology, which requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, six months experience, or a combination of both in the area of wildlife biology.

The successful candidate must have or must be able to obtain/maintain the following certifications and licensure:

S-130/S-190 Firefighter Training Qualification, S-212 Chainsaw Safety Training Qualification, Pesticide Applicator Certification, Driver's License, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), CPR/First Aid Certification.

Normal hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, however the hours and shifts may vary during the DNR peak seasons.

College or university students that are pending graduation in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position.

Critical Job Competencies

Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management, Computer Skills, Technical Skills (wildlife management)

What You Get From Us

A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

(Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).

Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
Nine paid holidays/year.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
Professional training opportunities.
Family friendly and professional work environment.
Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.
Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).

Comments

Great Lakes Wildlife Unit, 2248 125th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360 - Dickinson County

Otter Creek Wildlife Unit, 2805 Highway E66, Chelsea, IA 52215 - Tama County

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com . This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Iowa DNR Mission

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Selectives

901 Wildlife Biology

6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

The equivalent of two years of full time experience involving facilities maintenance in plumbing, electrical, and/or heating and cooling, or semi-skilled or technical work in a biological, horticultural, conservation, or natural resources program;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of college level course work in a biological or natural resources program for the required experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .

Additional Qualification Requirements

Certain designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain: a Commercial Drivers License and endorsements; and/or certification as a water and wastewater system operator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.
Certain designated positions require the employee to be certified by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

State of Iowa - Executive Branch

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Wildlife Technician