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 Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hires dedicated employees who want to protect Iowa’s natural resources and provide citizens with recreational opportunities to enjoy. 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 core values and 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 three Wildlife Technician positions open at Maquoketa Wildlife Unit in Miles, Iowa; Great Lakes Wildlife Unit in Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Red Rock Wildlife Unit in Monroe, Iowa. More information on these wildlife units can be found on the DNR’s website.
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 $54/month for single and $180/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.
Family friendly and professional work environment.
Employee Discount Programs
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.
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).
What We're Looking for from You:
Describe in your application how you demonstrate the Critical Job Competencies (below), can perform the majority of the Essential Functions, and have education/experience transferable to the . Applicants are encouraged to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Wildlife Technician is responsible for habitat management which includes responsibility to oversee the implementation of the management plans for each of the Wildlife Management Areas within the Wildlife Management Unit. Primary responsibilities are for the restoration and maintenance of quality wildlife habitats. Activities include: completing all phases of grass/forb seedings and prairie restoration and management including planting recommendations, site preparation, planting, maintenance, controlled burning, and competition control; restoring wetlands including topographical surveys, soils analysis, design of small sites, contract supervision, and actual construction; monitoring and manipulating seasonal water levels within wetlands to maintain desired wetland habitat conditions during nesting, brood-rearing, and migration; completing tree plantings and forest stand improvement practices; planting and managing wildlife food plantings with equipment, herbicide, and tillage; monitoring habitat leases; and controlling noxious and other weeds.
The Wildlife Technician is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all WMU facilities, including: buildings, signs, parking lots, roads, bridges, culverts, dikes, water control structures, boat ramps, fences, and so forth. These activities include annual boundary sign and fence monitoring and repair, grading roads and placing rock, repair and service of farm equipment, renovation of dikes and access roads with earth movers and backhoes, and replacing water control structures.
They are also responsible for facilities construction including recommending locations and specification for facilities. Constructing new facilities including ID signs, boundary fences, roads, parking lots, and boat ramps. Activities include heavy equipment operation and supervising contractors.
The Wildlife Technician will assist the NRT2 with the preparation of reports, records, and documents. Provide daily oversight, leadership, and direction to temporary staff assigned to the Wildlife Management Unit. Instruct safe work practices and procedures, communicate with the Biologist and Supervisor concerning personnel problems that affect Unit operations. Inform the Biologist and Supervisory staff within 24 hours of any station emergency, property damage, or personal injury. Attend and participate in all required district and statewide meetings, share and exchange technical expertise. Record equipment use, repair, and service schedules and recommend equipment budget. Record work activities and work product records. Keep banding records. Assist with purchasing, bids, and contract supervision. Attend professional and departmental training. Complete information and education activities such as programs for local schools and presentations at departmental meetings.
The Wildlife Technician participates in the trapping and banding of wood ducks, Canada geese, mourning doves, and other animals as part of ongoing population monitoring efforts and research projects. This employee will 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.
The Wildlife Technician must be able to 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.
Essential Functions

• Work outside under any type of weather conditions and to withstand physically demanding work.
• Function within a small field work team to accomplish needed land management activities.
• Must display a high standard of ethical conduct.
• Perform strenuous work and work under inclement conditions at times.
• Knowledge of wildlife management techniques and the ability to perform techniques used to conduct basic wildlife 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.

901 Wildlife Biology
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.

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;

• 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.
• 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.

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