Natural Resources Biologist

Job Description

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

We are a leading organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and management. Our Wildlife Unit plays a pivotal role in ensuring the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources. We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to join our team as a Wildlife Unit Biologist.

As the Wildlife Unit Biologist, you will be responsible for overseeing the administration and resource management of our Wildlife Unit. Your role will involve coordinating activities of Unit personnel, planning public area management, and annual project schedules. Additionally, you will monitor expenditures, work performance, and policy compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate activities of Unit personnel and oversee Wildlife Unit operations.
• Plan public area management and annual project schedules.
• Monitor expenditures, work performance, and policy compliance.
• Prepare Federal Aid project planning and documentation.
• Review land acquisition and make recommendations.
• Serve as permit liaison for Unit projects.
• Prepare capital development and operations plans.
• Coordinate with district supervisor in preparing the annual unit budget.
• Prepare progress reports and other required documents.
• Complete planning and reporting for properties managed under agreement with federal agencies.
• Respond to public inquiries and provide technical assistance.
• Coordinate with conservation agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Determine habitat goals and set objectives for public areas.
• Plan and oversee implementation of wildlife habitat management.
• Conduct surveys, inventories, and special biological investigations.
• Ensure compliance with state policies and safety standards.
• Participate in population monitoring efforts and research projects.
• Coordinate facility construction and liaise with Construction Services personnel.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Previous experience in wildlife management, habitat conservation, or related field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in budgeting and financial management.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to wildlife management.
• Willingness to undergo required training and obtain necessary certifications.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Leads the wildlife management unit staff in developing and implementing annual work plans, budgets, and reports.
• Determines habitat goals and oversees habitat management activities for public wildlife management areas.
• Responds to public requests for information and assistance regarding wildlife management areas, wildlife populations, hunting and trapping seasons.
• Provides technical assistance on wildlife habitat restoration and management to private landowners and other conservation agencies and organizations.
• Coordinates wildlife habitat programs and projects with federal agencies. local governments, and NGOs.
• Communicates with the public and facilitates public input on wildlife habitat and population management programs, projects, and activities.
• Work outside under any type of weather conditions and to withstand physically demanding work.
• Knowledge of basic state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to wildlife resources management activities for public wildlife management areas.
• Must display a high standard of ethical conduct.
  
  

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 candidates must be able to obtain/maintain the following:

• Pesticide License
• CPR/First Aide certification
• Chain Saw Safety Certification
• Basic Wildland Firefighter Training
• Possess and maintain valid driver’s license
• CDL
  
  

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.

The successful candidate for this position will be required to work at the Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit - Ruthven Station, 3120 330th Avenue, Ruthven, Iowa.

Critical Job Competencies

Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Self-Management, 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 $61/month for single and $205/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.
• Flexible schedules and 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.
  
  

Comments

For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application.

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.

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

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, including at least twelve semester hours (or the academic equivalent) in fisheries biology, or nine semester hours in wildlife biology, and the equivalent of two years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries work or two years of full-time work experience in professional wildlife work;

OR

a master's degree in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, or fisheries management or wildlife management;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty-six months of full-time work as a Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2 shall be qualified.

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 the required Commercial Drivers License and endorsements 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 Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority.