Wildlife Technician Jobs

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 is seeking professional applicants for the position of Wildlife Technician at the Black Hawk Wildlife Unit in Sac County.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Include

Project Administration and Habitat Management: The Natural Resources Technician 2 (NRT2) is responsible for -

• Provides technical assistance to government agencies and private individuals.
• Assists the WMU Biologist in the planning of habitat development on public areas, including requirements for equipment, labor, and materials and supplies to implement the projects.
• Knowledgeable of DNR policy and work procedures so that WMU personnel are kept in compliance with these rules.
• Responsible for preparing daily and weekly work plans and posting work plans so that BMS employees are well informed of projects and expected accomplishments.
• Inspect areas to insure that noxious weeds are controlled and work with County Weed Commissioners to plan control efforts where adjoining landowners are affected. This employee is expected to obtain a Pesticide Applicator's license and to complete the continuing education required to maintain the license.
• Completion of reports on a daily, quarterly, and annual basis to comply with department policy and operating procedures.
• Develops and administers cooperative habitat leases. Work includes advertising leases to area farmers, negotiating terms, amending the leases as necessary, insuring payments are submitted, and maintaining accurate records. Compliance with NRCS conservation standards and FSA farm programs must be maintained.
• Plans maintenance and operation projects to maintain capital facilities, including: buildings, equipment, signs, parking lots, roads, bridges and culverts, boat ramps, fences, dikes, and water control structures.
• Preparation of project requests, purchasing supplies, submitting claims for payment, maintaining records, monthly cost accounting, and submitting reports as assigned for specific projects.
• Projects may be completed by contracting with private vendors requiring the NRT2 to meet with contractors, let bids, and inspect work following Department contracting and purchasing procedures.
• Inform employees of all safety regulations and standards as set by the DNR and OSHA, and to inform employees of safe work practices and provide safety equipment for all jobs.
• Provides daily oversight, leadership and direction to temporary employees and volunteers to complete development and maintenance projects on public and private land within the portion of the Black Hawk Wildlife Management Unit.

Facility Development And Maintenance

• Responsible for the condition and maintenance of all BMS facilities, including: buildings, signs, parking lots, roads, bridges, culverts, dikes, water control structures, boat ramps, fences, and so forth.
• Evaluates problems on facilities, purchases the necessary materials, and supervises WMU employees or private contractors to ensure the completion of the job. On major projects, this employee meets with the Engineering Technician and contractors to write up specifications or proposals which are submitted to the BMS Biologist for initiating project requests.
• Informing the BMS Biologist of problems so that repair costs may be included in the annual budget, decisions as to whether to use outside contractual labor or to supervise WMU employees in the construction or repair of facilities, and ensuring that the most cost effective and labor efficient plans are completed.
• Investigates legitimate complaints and recommendations made by the public, WMU employees, and the BMS Biologist on needed repairs to facilities.
• Works with state and county governments for guidance and concurrence on issues such as sign placement, ditching of WMU roads and the removal of trees to ensure safe vision along roads on WMU areas.
• Inspect public lands for items that may pose a safety hazard to employees or public users and will take corrective action to resolve the problem.

Equipment Maintenance

• Ensures that: equipment manuals are reviewed and recommendations followed, files are maintained for the hours of operation of all gas powered engine equipment, and records are kept on repairs and operating expenses.
• Responsible for the maintenance, routine inspection, and repair of all BMS equipment.
• Provides guidance to other staff stationed at the BMS on proper repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintains an inventory of all tools and equipment and maintains storage so that tools are kept in an orderly and clean fashion so that efficient repairs can be made.

Population Management

• Conduct annual deer counts, roadside game bird surveys, weekly waterfowl counts during the fall migration, mid-winter waterfowl counts, and other surveys of both game and non-game species and their habitats as requested to fulfill the mission of the Wildlife Bureau.
• Oversees the trapping and banding of wood ducks, Canada geese, mourning doves, and other animals as part of ongoing population monitoring efforts and research projects.
• Utilize a weapon in performance of duties in compliance with the State of Iowa's Violence-Free Workplace Policy and related waivers, including taking all requisite training and conforming to written handling procedures for such weapons. Such duties shall include: dispatching injured or wounded animals when a law enforcement officer is not readily available; dispatching feral or dangerous animals when a law enforcement officer is not readily available or assigned to the detail; conducting demonstrations utilizing the weapon; collecting samples; conducting research on diseased animals and/or plants; clearing brush to access remote areas.

Informational And Educational Programs To The Public

• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding management of public lands. All inquiries are handled in a professional and polite manner.
• Provides information to other WMU's and to other DNR bureaus on WMU projects. This employee will also attend professional meetings, seminars, and training sessions to stay up-to-date on current wildlife management issues and techniques.
• Serve as the local contact for public users. As such, knowledge of DNR rules and regulations is required. This employee will also make presentations to local schools, service clubs, and sportsmen groups upon requested and as time permits. Interviews with the media will be completed as topics demand; including newspaper, radio and television.

Essential Functions

What we are looking for in the successful candidate:

• Knowledge of wildlife management techniques and the ability to perform techniques used to conduct basic wildlife
• Function within a small field work team to accomplish needed land management activities.
• Perform strenuous work and work under inclement conditions at times.

management projects.

• Knowledge of basic state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to wildlife resources.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must display a high standard of ethical conduct.
• Work outside under any type of weather conditions and to withstand physically demanding work.

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. Applicants are encouraged to attach a Resume/Cover Letter to the online application to aid in confirming that they meet this requirement

Critical Job Competencies

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

What You Get From Us

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

(Premiums can start as low as $54/month for single and $180/month for family coverage).

• Flexible schedules (as approved by supervisor).
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.

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.

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

The equivalent of three years of full time experience involving facilities maintenance in plumbing, electrical, and/or heating and cooling, 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 each year of the required experience;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience as a Natural Resources Technician 1 shall be considered as qualified.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

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.