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 is seeking professional applicants for the position of Large River Fisheries Research Biologist.  The DNR’s Fisheries Research Program focuses on evaluating existing fisheries management practices, innovating new techniques, and advancing the science and technology used to improve fishing in Iowa. This focus helps the Fisheries Bureau ensure that fishing license dollars are spent wisely and as efficiently as possible. This position provides administrative and technical supervision of the Large River Fisheries Research Program. This research biologist cooperates with fisheries managers to identify problems affecting the fisheries resources of large rivers, design and conduct research projects to solve these problems, assist fisheries management biologists in the implementation of research findings and provide the general public with information about the research and management of large river fisheries.

The Fisheries Bureau’s research program is funded primarily with federal funds through the Sport Fish Restoration Program; therefore, the research biologist must prepare timely and complete project statements (proposals) and performance reports as required by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The research biologist is responsible for ensuring that sampling is conducted in a scientific manner and consistent with the study design. This position also coordinates, conducts, and oversees laboratory work so data are collected and recorded in a scientifically defensible manner. The research biologist analyzes data according to the experimental design outlined in the project plans and uses appropriate statistical tests in data analyses. Research activities are coordinated and discussed at research staff meetings, annual Fisheries Bureau meetings and American Fisheries Society meetings. Oral reviews of research findings are presented at these meetings at least twice annually. When appropriate, manuscripts are prepared for inclusion in peer reviewed, technical journals. At least one manuscript is prepared upon completion of each major research investigation. The research biologist participates in the editorial review process of manuscripts submitted to scientific journals to ensure that Iowa’s research is conducted and presented in a manner consistent with current standards.

The research biologist serves in the capacity of a team leader with duties that include: managing the team’s budget and equipment inventory; conducting weekly team meetings to communicate significant issues and priorities; and overseeing daily activities of team members by preparing work schedules and instructing team members in the proper and safe use of sampling gear, proper sampling techniques, and how to conduct field sampling activities.

The research biologist collaborates with other fisheries biologists in sampling design, data analysis, and field sampling activities as needed. This position is also responsible for developing, implementing, testing, and refining large river sampling equipment, methods, and procedures. They should provide district managers with standard protocols used to assess large river fisheries. The research biologist provides up-dated information about research findings to co-workers and the public. This will be accomplished by presentations at meetings, news releases, radio programs, TV spots, contributing to social media posts, popular magazine articles, news releases, and one-on-one contacts

Finally, the research biologist completes administrative duties typical of a State of Iowa employee, including attending training and Department meetings, preparing reports and records, completing project and time reports, managing equipment records, email correspondence, and review team participation.

Essential Functions
Designs studies that will answer management questions in a scientifically defensible manner.
Identifies and solves problems using advanced knowledge of fish science, sampling techniques, statistical methods, and study design.
Samples fish populations in impoundments using a variety of standard and specialized fish sampling gears and does so in a scientifically acceptable, efficient, and effective manner consistent with statistical study designs.
Performs statistical analysis of complex datasets using scientifically rigorous methods.
Communicates results of research effectively both in written and oral communications, including formal presentations to professional groups and the public.
Leads a team of fisheries professionals and directs their daily activities.
 
Critical Job Competencies 
Accountability, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Communication Skills (oral and written), Leadership Skills, Computer Skills, Project Management, Technical Competence - (Fisheries Science and Statistical Analyses)
 
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 $64/month for single and $210/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 (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)

900 Fisheries Biology
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, including at least twelve semester hours (or the academic equivalent) in fisheries biology, or nine semester hours in wildlife biology, and the equivalent of two years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries work or two years of full-time work experience in professional wildlife work;

• Certain designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Commercial Drivers License and endorsements 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 Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority.