Wildlife Technician 2

Wildlife Technician 2

Salary

$47,715.20 - $70,720.00 Annually

Location

Onawa - 51040 - Monona County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00193

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

07/21/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Brian Hickman, 712-250-0518; brian.hickman@dnr.iowa.gov

To Apply

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a resume and cover letter to the online application.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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. We are seeking a NRT2 at our Missouri River Wildlife Unit. Job duties include:

Lead Habitat Management Projects

• Assist with planning and implementing wildlife habitat improvement projects, including prescribed fire, tree and shrub planting, wetland restoration, vegetation management, mowing, and herbicide applications.
• Administer cooperative habitat lease agreements and ensure compliance with conservation program requirements.
• Monitor and coordinate noxious weed control efforts with local partners.
• Operate a variety of equipment to complete habitat management activities.

Supervise Field Operations

• Provide daily leadership and direction to Natural Resources Technician 1 staff, temporary employees, volunteers, and contractors.
• Develop and communicate daily and weekly work plans.
• Promote a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with DNR and OSHA safety standards and providing appropriate safety training and equipment.

Maintain Public Lands and Facilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee maintenance of wildlife management areas, including buildings, roads, bridges, culverts, parking lots, boat ramps, fences, dikes, signs, and water control structures.
• Inspect public lands and facilities for safety hazards and coordinate necessary repairs.
• Work with contractors, engineers, and local government agencies to complete facility improvement projects efficiently and cost-effectively.

Manage Equipment and Resources

• Maintain, inspect, and repair a wide range of vehicles, heavy equipment, tractors, implements, boats, and power equipment.
• Maintain inventories of tools, equipment, and assets.
• Keep accurate maintenance records and equipment operating logs.

Support Wildlife Management and Research

• Conduct wildlife population surveys and monitoring activities, including deer counts, waterfowl surveys, game bird surveys, and other wildlife inventories.
• Assist with trapping, banding, research, and biological data collection for a variety of wildlife species.
• Humanely dispatch injured, diseased, or dangerous animals when necessary and in accordance with department policies.

Coordinate Projects and Administration

• Prepare project requests, purchase supplies, manage budgets, maintain inventories, process payments, and complete required reports.
• Maintain accurate records related to project accomplishments, equipment, safety, property inspections, and operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies and operating procedures.

Serve the Public

• Provide technical assistance and information to landowners, partner agencies, and the public.
• Respond professionally to questions regarding wildlife management and public lands.
• Represent the Department through presentations to schools, community organizations, sportsmens groups, and media outlets as opportunities arise.

Essential Functions:

• Accomplish needed land management activities and function within a small field work team.
• Perform strenuous work and work under inclement conditions at times.
• Apply knowledge of wildlife management techniques, must 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 have, or be able to obtain, the following certifications and licensure:

S-130/S-190 Firefighter Training Qualification

S-212 Chainsaw Safety Training Qualification

Pesticide applicator certifications

Drivers License (must be able to operate a motor vehicle)

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

CPR/First Aid Certification

Critical Job Competencies:

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

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 DAS website 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 DAS website for more benefit information.

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

DNR Application Tips

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

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

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.

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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain 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. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

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? Click here 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

How many years do you have 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?

• Less than three years of the full-time experience identified
• Three years or more of the full-time experience identified

04

How many years do you have of a combination of college level course work in a biological or natural resources program AND/OR 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? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have of the education AND/OR experience
• Less than three years of the combined education and/or experience
• Three years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

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

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 for the State of Iowa
• Less than 12 months of experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 for the State of Iowa
• 12 months or more of experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 for the State of Iowa

06

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

• Yes
• No

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?

• Yes
• No

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

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Address 6200 Park Ave

STE 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website http://www.iowadnr.gov/