Wildlife Management Specialist

About the Role

This role is designed to provide foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance, technical skills, and wildlife surveys. The PF Wildlife Management Specialist will work with other wildlife unit personnel under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. Overnight travel will occasionally be required for special projects outside 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.
• Implement prescribed fires for ecological purposes, including fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities.
• Conduct wildlife surveys and monitoring, such as waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, August roadside surveys, and chronic wasting disease sampling.
• Perform general area maintenance, including mowing, sign posting, fence building/removal, tree/brush control, and noxious weed control using power equipment and hand tools.
• Participate in special assignments requiring overnight travel for large-scale projects like fence removal, fence building, or tree removal.

Qualifications

• 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 with minimal supervision.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Willingness to obtain pesticide applicator’s license, S130-190 basic firefighter training certification, commercial driver’s license, Iowa DNR chainsaw safety certification, and first aid & bloodborne pathogen training (some within 90 days of hire).

Skills

• Proficiency in using farm machinery, chainsaws, and hand tools.
• Physical ability to work under stressful and adverse conditions, including lifting, bending, and hauling.
• Attention to detail and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.

Career Advancement Benefits

• Proven pathway to full-time careers with DNR, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation organizations.
• Hands-on technical skills development alongside experienced DNR professionals.
• Professional network growth and lasting connections in the conservation field.
• Real-world, outdoor experience in meaningful conservation work.
• Unique dual-agency role with opportunities for trainings, collaboration, and annual staff meetings with both DNR and Pheasants Forever.

Work Location: Iowa DNR Saylorville Wildlife Unit – Bays Branch Office (Guthrie County), 3123 220th St, Panora, IA 50216
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Salary: $17.00 per hour
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