Wildlife Management Specialist

Work Location: Iowa DNR Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit, 2321 330th Ave, Riverton, IA 51650

About the role

This role is designed to provide foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance and technical skills, wildlife surveys, and landowner relations. The PF Wildlife Management Specialist will work with other wildlife unit personnel and be under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. This position will assist with the promotion and implementation of the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) in addition to performing a variety of maintenance and technical tasks at the wildlife management unit. The employee is expected to efficiently display a high level of initiative and commitment towards completing assignments. Overnight travel will occasionally be required on special projects outside of the assigned unit counties.

Responsibilities

• Perform wildlife habitat management activities including:
  • Wetland management, prairie management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
• Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes, including fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities. Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions. Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed.
• Wildlife Surveys & Monitoring including:
  • Waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, August roadside surveys, chronic wasting disease sampling, etc. Collecting biological data may occasionally require early or late in the day work scheduling.
• Contact targeted landowners enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and follow-up with landowners interested in enrolling into the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP). Provide technical support, assistance with contracting, and ensure the planned habitat work has been completed.
• General area maintenance involving mowing, sign posting, fence building, fence removal, tree/brush control, noxious weed control, etc. These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment such as drills, saws, hand tools, chainsaws, trimmers, and small mowers.
• Special assignments may require overnight travel as part of a crew to accomplish large-scale fence removal, fence building, or tree removal projects outside of the assigned unit counties. These assignments require the ability to work well with others, work outdoors under all types of weather conditions, and withstand physically demanding work (e.g., lifting, bending, and hauling).

Requirements

• Degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field.
• Passion for conservation and outdoor fieldwork.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsible behavior, attention to detail, and the capacity to work with minimal supervision.
• Display professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with strong initiative, effort, and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.
• Able to travel on overnight duties and work on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
• Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Able to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.

Special Requirements

• Must possess or be able to acquire a pesticide applicator’s license and S130-190 basic firefighter training certification within 90 days of hire if not currently possessed.
• Successful applicant will also be encouraged to obtain a commercial driver’s license, Iowa DNR chainsaw safety certification, and first aid & bloodborne pathogen training.

Qualifications

This position has a strong track record of placement into full-time permanent roles with DNR, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation organizations.

Benefits

• Proven pathway to full-time careers.
• Build valuable, hands-on technical skills while working alongside experienced DNR professionals.
• Grow your professional network and form lasting connections across the conservation field.
• Gain real-world, outdoor experience doing meaningful, on-the-ground conservation work.
• Experience a unique dual-agency role, with opportunities to engage in trainings, collaboration, and annual staff meetings with both DNR and Pheasants Forever.
• Competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Summary.

Pay

$17.00 per hour

Schedule

• Typical Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 40 hours per week.
• Anticipated Start Date: 2-4 weeks post successful job offer.
• End Date: One year from start date.