Salary : $54,766.40 - $83,012.80 Annually

Location : Lehigh - 50557 - Webster County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 25-01888

Agency: 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date: 01/10/2025

Closing Date: 1/24/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST

Point of Contact: Brian Hickman, brian.hickman@dnr.iowa.gov l 712-250-0518

To Apply: The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

Job Description

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 Prairie Resource Unit Manager leads the Prairie Resource Unit in achieving the production, harvest, and distribution of native prairie plant seed to support prairie enhancement and establishment goals on public lands managed by the Wildlife Bureau. This role involves a combination of technical guidance, habitat management, administration, operations, and public engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Guidance

Serve as the primary contact for public inquiries about Prairie Resource Unit activities, facilities, and general Wildlife Bureau programs.
Provide technical assistance to private landowners, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on wildlife habitat development, native seed harvest, and prairie restoration.
Collaborate with the Department of Corrections (DOC) to implement greenhouse prairie forb growing programs and prairie production plots.
Disseminate information on prairie conservation and wildlife habitat through news releases, articles, newsletters, and media interviews.
Foster partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to advance the Wildlife Bureau's mission and goals.

Habitat Management

Plan and oversee habitat management activities on wildlife areas, DOC production plots, state preserves, Waterfowl Production Areas, and Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) properties.
Develop and implement management plans, habitat maps, and statewide inventories for preserve-quality prairie areas.
Coordinate and supervise prescribed burning for prairie management, seed harvesting, and preservation goals.
Ensure compliance with the Bureau's strategic ecotype plan, including overseeing public bidding and seed harvesting operations.

Administration

Prepare and implement a Strategic Prairie Grass and Forb Seed Harvesting Plan, outlining goals and objectives for maintaining diverse native prairie seed sources.
Develop annual unit goals, staff assignments, budgets, and progress reports.
Write grant proposals, cost-share applications, and acquisition field reports to secure funding for land, equipment, or program initiatives.
Regularly report on unit progress and challenges to supervisors and leadership.
Organize and participate in staff training, professional development, and required meetings.

Operations and Maintenance

Oversee maintenance of Prairie Resource Unit facilities, equipment, vehicles, and production plots.
Plan for facility and equipment repairs, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards and workplace conditions.
Coordinate safety training and enforce proper use of tools and machinery.

Facility Construction

Plan and oversee the construction and maintenance of facilities for seed production, processing, and distribution.
Ensure equipment, buildings, and supplies meet operational needs and long-term goals.

Surveys and Inventories

Conduct wildlife surveys, inventories, and special investigations as requested by DNR research staff, Wildlife Bureau Management Team, or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Population Management

Use appropriate tools and techniques to manage wildlife populations, including dispatching injured or dangerous animals, clearing brush, and conducting disease research.

Essential Functions

Leads the Prairie Resource Unit staff in developing and implementing annual work plans, budgets, and reports.
Provides technical assistance on prairie restoration and management to private landowners and other conservation agencies and organizations.
Determines seed production and harvest goals and oversees grassland management activities for the Prairie Resource Unit.
Perform strenuous work and work under inclement conditions at times.
Perform wildlife management techniques used to conduct basic wildlife management projects. Must have knowledge of wildlife management techniques.
Knowledge of basic state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to wildlife resources.

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.

Normal hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, however the hours and shifts may vary during the DNR peak seasons.

Critical Job Competencies

Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management, Technical Skills (wildlife management), Conflict Management, and Collaboration.

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)
The State's total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the for more information.
Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).

Comments

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). The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the 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

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;
OR
a master's degree in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, or fisheries management or wildlife management;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty-six months of full-time work as a Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2 shall be qualified.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

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.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?
Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

Yes - I understand and agree.
No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences with at least twelve semester hours (or the academic equivalent) in fisheries biology, OR nine semester hours in wildlife biology? IF YES

How many years do you have of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work?

Not applicable - I do not have a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences
No full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
Less than one year of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
One year to less than two years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
Two or more years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work

04

Do you have a Master's degree in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, or fisheries management or wildlife management?

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2 for the State of Iowa?

Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
Less than three years of experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2
Three or more years of experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2

06

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours or a combination of both in Wildlife Biology?

07

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.

08

After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question:Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

09

Reference Checks:If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

Required Question

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