IA Wildlife Management Specialist

Lehigh, IA
Full Time
Wildlife Management Specialist
Entry Level

Wildlife Management Specialist

Work Location:
Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Center (Webster County)
2820 Brushy Creek Rd, Lehigh, IA 50557

Application deadline: April 25, 2025 
Salary: $17.00 per hour
Typical Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 40 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: 2-4 weeks post successful job offer with flexibility available
End Date: One year from start date
The position may be extended for an additional year pending funding and job performance.

JOB DESCRIPTION:  This position is part of a partnership between Pheasants Forever and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The primary responsibilities of the Wildlife Management Specialist at the Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Center are to assist the team with the production of local ecotype native grass and wildflower seed for Iowa’s public lands.  The person in this position must possess strong organization and communication skills and be able to express ideas orally and in writing.  The candidate must possess plant identification skills and lead others in the propagation, maintenance, and harvest of prairie species.  The person must be a leader capable of leading groups of volunteers and other employees.  Candidates must possess the ability to operate independently with indirect supervision under general coordination and program guidelines.
Examples of typical job duties may include:
  • Assist with the planting, maintenance, and harvest of over 100 prairie species.
  • Identification and harvest of specific prairie species from prairie remnants across the state.
  • Identification and control of noxious weeds.
  • Assist with the training/direction of inmate workers, volunteers and other staff in the cleaning harvest and planting of native plant material.
  • Prescribed fire implementation on native grass and wildflower fields for seed production and harvest.  This duty will require fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities. Performance of these tasks will require the employee to follow the Iowa DNR Prescribed Fire Policy and periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions.  Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed.
  • Assist with seed propagation and care of native plants in the greenhouse.
  • General equipment and facility maintenance.  These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment; drills, saws, hand tools, small mowers etc.
  • Safe operation of unit equipment such as tractor, combine, native grass drill, and seed cleaning equipment.
  • Participate in the writing/production of the biannual newsletter.             
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • College graduate with a degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field.  
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Able to travel on overnight duties.
  • Work with minimal supervision; demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
  • Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
  • Able to work alone or as part of a team, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
  • Exhibit honesty and integrity. Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
  • Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.    
CAREER ADVANCEMENT BENEFITS:
  • Work alongside permanent DNR staff to develop technical skills.
  • Work outdoors.
  • Great opportunity to expand your professional network and make lasting connections.
  • High rate of recruitment from PF Wildlife Specialist positions to permanent positions within DNR, PF and other conservation entities.
  • Get a preview of employment within two organizations simultaneously, with opportunities to attend annual staff meetings for both DNR and Pheasants Forever.
  • Pheasants Forever offers a competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Package information can be found here:  Employee Benefit Summary pdf
To Apply: Please include your cover letter, resume and 3 references in your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs. Only online applications will be accepted.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must possess or be able to acquire a pesticide applicator’s license and S130-190 basic firefighter training certification, special requirements shall be met 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. 
 
If you have additional questions, please contact Brian Hickman, Iowa DNR, at 712-250-0518.
 
Pheasants Forever, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.
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