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) employs over 850 employees that are dedicated to protecting Iowa’s natural resources and providing citizens recreational opportunities to enjoy them. The Iowa DNR’s mission is 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. If our mission aligns with your personal goals and you want to work alongside committed and passionate coworkers, then you should consider the Iowa DNR as your next employer.
We currently have a Natural Resources Technician 1 (NRT 1) position that is an integral part of our Fish Culture Research Team. This position contributes to the Iowa DNR’s mission by assisting with applied research that will make Iowa DNR fish hatcheries more efficient, productive, and provide future direction. Increasing productivity at state hatcheries results in more high-quality fish for stocking into public bodies of water for the anglers of Iowa. The primary job duties of the successful candidate are fish culture, buildings, grounds, and equipment maintenance; and data collection and entry. The successful candidate will gain experience with single pass and recirculating aquaculture systems as well as pond culture. Species currently being researched are Walleyes and Muskellunge.
Fish culture duties include, but are not limited to: sanitation of rearing units; obtaining representative samples of fish; monitoring growth rates of fish; calculating appropriate feed rates; fish necropsy; diagnosis of fish diseases using a microscope; treatment calculation and application of chemotherapeutants; identification and enumeration of zooplankton using a microscope; obtaining water samples; and use of water quality equipment such as saturometers, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, and spectrophotometers. The NRT1 also assists with harvest and distribution of fry, fingerlings, and adult fish; inspects fish to ensure that no extraneous species of fish are being inadvertently stocked with the target species; loads fish onto distribution units at safe densities; monitors environmental factors to prevent fish mortality and minimize stress during transport; administers chemical treatments to transport tanks to reduce stress or for the control of zebra mussel veligers; and unloads fish and ensures distribution to the correct location. In order to complete fish culture duties, it will be necessary for the NRT1 to oversee, train, and mentor seasonal employees in proper aquaculture practices.
This NRT 1 assists in the maintenance of the Rathbun Fish Culture Research Facility, storage building, research pump station, and water reuse aquaculture building. They also assist with grounds maintenance (e.g., mowing, spraying weeds, and trimming). Additionally, the NRT1 assists in maintenance of fish culture research equipment by performing scheduled maintenance on pieces of equipment such as pumps, blowers, air compressors, and ultraviolet disinfection systems. The research nature of this work requires the NRT 1 to periodically assist in the assembly, modification, and disassembly of fish culture systems and fabricate specialized fish culture equipment.
This NRT1 also contributes to research studies by assisting with the collection and entry of study data. Data must be gathered, recorded, and presented in a legible, accurate, and professional manner. It is important that the NRT 1 maintains accurate, thorough, and detailed records using spreadsheets, word processing documents, or databases.
Essential Functions
- Complete daily fish culture duties.
- Collection of study data and data entry.
- Maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment.
- Execute scientifically defensible fish culture experiments.
Critical Job Competencies
Team Player, Integrity, Accountability, Mathematical Reasoning, Creative Thinking, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Skills, Technical Competence (fisheries and maintenance), Communication Skills (oral and written), Customer Focus, Computer Skills, Information Management, Self-Management, Flexibility, Attention to Detail, High Productivity, Common Sense, Positive Attitude.
Candidates must meet requirements of DAS Selective Certification: #900 - Fisheries Biology
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Pesticide Applicator license with category 5 certification within 6 months of employment.
Normal hours are 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday with participation in a year-round weekend work rotation. Standby duty mandatory and housing is not provided; therefore employee must live (or arrange for temporary housing when on standby) within 15 miles of the Rathbun Fish Culture Research Facility and Rathbun Fish Hatchery. May be required to work 2nd shift during broodstock collection and spawning operations. Some travel with overnight lodging required.
The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected 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.
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.
The DNR seeks to hire individuals who wish to support our mission, which is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organization, to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.
Selectives
900
Fisheries 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.
