Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know

Insurance Coverage

Health Insurance Icon The State of Iowa Health, Dental, and Life insurance programs allow you to pay a fraction of the cost in premiums as other employers, yet have some of the best coverage in Iowa.

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off Icon We value you and your families mental and physical well being by offering paid sick leave, vacation time, and family care time.

Work Life Balance

Paid Time Off Icon The DNR offers a number of ways to balance work and home life through telework, flexible schedules, and time off options.

Retirement

Retirement Icon You will be eligible for the State of Iowa pension program (IPERS) and for a supplemental retirement plan with monthly matches.

Personal Development

Personal Development Icon Employees are the DNR's most valuable resources, which is why we offer a number of PDS courses for further growth and development.

DNR Job Classifications

The DNR is a diverse organization with 75 different job classifications.

The number following each job title represents the total number of full-time positions in that classification:

Job Descriptions:
For detailed information regarding these positions, please refer to the job class descriptions found on the DAS website.

Accountant 2 (2)
Accountant 3 (1)
Accounting Clerk 2 (2)
Accounting Technician 2 * (4)
Accounting Technician 3 (1)
Administrative Assistant 1 (8)
Administrative Assistant 2 * (16)
Administrative Sec (1)
Architectual Technician 1 * (1)
Assistant Survey Party Chief (1)
Attorney 2 * (7)
Biometrician (1)
Budget Analyst 3 * (3)
Carpenter 1 (1)
Carpenter 2 (1)
Clerk Advanced (5)
Clerk Specialist (6)
Conservation Officer (80)
Construction Technician (3)
Construction Technician Senior (1)
Construction Technician Supervisor (1)
Custodial Worker (1)
Environmental Engineer (35)
Environmental Engineer Senior * (18)
Environmental Program Supervisor (23)
Environmental Specialist (102)
Environmental Specialist Senior (64)
Executive Officer 1 (6)
Executive Officer 2 (25)
Executive Officer 3 * (4)
Executive Sec (1)
Facilities Engineer 1 * (7)
Facilities Engineer 2 (4)
Facilities Engineer Associate (1)
Facilities Main Coordinator (1)
Forester 2 * (18)
Forester 3 (4)
Geologist Technician (1)
Geologist 2 * (5)
Geologist 3 * (26)
Human Resources Associate * (2)
Information Specialist 1 (1)
Information Specialist 2 (9)
Information Specialist 3 (4)

Information Technology Administrator 2 (1)
Information Technology Administrator 3 (1)
Information Technology Specialist 2 (7)
Information Technology Specialist 3 (3)
Information Technology Specialist 4 (6)
Information Technology Specialist 5 (5)
Information Technology Support Worker 2 (3)
Information Technology Support Worker 3 (3)
Mail Clerk 1 (1)
Maintenance Repairer (1)
Microbiologist (1)
Museum Technician (1)
Natural Resources Biologist (68)
Natural Resources Technician 1 (53)
Natural Resources Technician 2 (75)
Park Manager (34)
Park Ranger (30)
Program Planner 1 (1)
Program Planner 2 (6)
Program Planner 3 (9)
Public Service Executive 2 * (25)
Public Service Executive 3 * (8)
Public Service Executive 4 * (14)
Public Service Executive 5 * (2)
Public Service Executive 6 (1)
Public Service Supervisor 2 (1)
Purchasing Agent 3 * (1)
Purchasing Assistant (1)
Receptionist (2)
Right of Way Agent 2 (1)
Right of Way Agent 3 * (2)
Secretary 1 (6)
Secretary 2 (11)
Statistical Research Analyst 2 (1)
Statistical Research Analyst 3 (2)
Training Specialist 1 (4)
Training Specialist 2 (1)
Typist Advanced (1)
Word Processor 3 (1)

For current permanent job openings at the DNR, visit the State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services and then click on "Job Openings for all applicants," followed by "Search Openings" and then you can then search for DNR listings using Department #542.

Environmental Services


Seasonal Fisheries


Seasonal Wildlife and Parks


Water Patrol Officers


Join Our Team: Employment Opportunities

Do you care about the environment and want to make a difference in the world? Do you like to work in an action-oriented, exciting, diverse, high-energy and challenging workplace? If you are a team player, highly productive, accountable with an eye for customer service, then the DNR is the right place for you.

Employment Positions listed below

[Mar 26] Environmental Engineer (EE) - Water Quality Bureau

Looking to be an integral part of the team that creates the foundation for improving Iowa’s surface waters? The DNR is excited to present an opportunity to work for the State of Iowa as a TMDL modeling engineer. TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads) are watershed-wide models that act as the starting plan to improve waterbodies that are impaired for various pollutants. TMDLs are highly technical documents. As such, this posting is intended for applicants with a degree in environmental, agricultural, or civil engineering. May 2024 graduates are welcome to apply. Additionally, due to the high number of impairments on lakes in the state, the DNR welcomes applicants with degrees in limnology AND experience with modeling tools to apply as well.

Job number: 24-2994
Location: Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Monday - Friday, some travel
Closing Date: March 26, 2024 – 11:59 p.m.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Environmental Engineer (EE) - Water Quality Bureau


[Mar 21] Environmental Engineer (EE) - Water Quality Bureau

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources presents an exciting opening for a wastewater engineer who embodies technical proficiency, a strong customer-centric approach, and a keen eye for detail. We invite you to join our Wastewater Engineering team in the role of an Environmental Engineer to contribute to the preservation of water quality. This position is situated within the Wastewater Engineering Section of the Environmental Services Division's Water Quality Bureau. As a wastewater engineer, you will play a pivotal role in our engineering team, dedicated to safeguarding the environment and public health. Your responsibilities will encompass the critical tasks of reviewing construction permit applications, managing wastewater treatment and collection system infrastructure projects, which include approving engineering planning reports, antidegradation alternatives analyses, plans and specifications. You will also be responsible for granting construction permits primarily for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) funded wastewater projects and some non-funded wastewater projects. College or university students that graduated in December 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree are eligible to apply for this position.

Job number: 24-03031
Location: Wallace Building, 502 E 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319; Des Moines Metro Domicile
Hours: 40 hours/week – regular office hours with occasional travel
Closing Date: March 21, 2024 – 11:59 p.m.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Environmental Engineer (EE) - Water Quality Bureau


[Mar 20] Position: Natural Resources Technician 1 (NRT1) - Wildlife Bureau

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking dedicated individuals committed to protecting Iowa's natural resources and providing citizens with recreational opportunities. We currently have an opening for a Wildlife Technician at the Rathbun Wildlife Unit in Russell, Iowa. Duties & Responsibilities of a Wildlife Technician: Implementing habitat management plans for Wildlife Management Areas, including restoration and maintenance of grassland, woodland, and wetland habitats. Activities include but are not limited to native seedings, vegetation management, water level manipulation, and forest stand improvement practices. Repairing and maintaining WMU facilities such as buildings, signs, roads, bridges, and fences. Providing oversight and leadership to temporary staff. Participating in population monitoring efforts and research projects, including conducting wildlife surveys, collecting tissue samples, and trapping and banding of various animal species. Utilizing weapons for duties such as dispatching injured animals and conducting research.

Job number: 24-03007
Location: Rathbun Wildlife Unit - 28248 415th Street, Russell, IA 50238; Domicile: Lucas County
Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F, occasional extended hours, overnight travel and weekends
Closing Date: March 20, 2024 – 11:59 p.m.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Natural Resources Technician 1 (NRT1) - Wildlife Bureau


Seasonal Positions

Seasonal Employment Positions listed below

Seasonal Employment

Seasonal Patrol Officer at Iowa State Parks:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking (14) Seasonal Patrol Officers with the Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau. The positions are located at various state parks across Iowa. The positions are temporary for seasonal employees of the Iowa DNR.

To apply: Candidates are screened and reviewed at the local level. Applicants should email a cover letter and resume to the contact at each location you are interested in serving. Please include available times for interviewing. Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024.
More: Seasonal Patrol Officer at Iowa State Parks


Seasonal Patrol Officer at Off-Highway Vehicle Parks:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking (6) Seasonal Patrol Officers with the Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau. The positions are located at various off-highway vehicle parks across Iowa. The positions are temporary or seasonal employees of the Iowa DNR.

To apply: Candidates are screened and reviewed at the local level. Applicants should email a cover letter and resume to the contact at each location you are interested in serving. Please include available times for interviewing. Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024.
More: Seasonal Patrol Officer at Off-Highway Vehicle Parks


Seasonal Park Employee:
Iowa State Parks are seeking motivated individuals to help maintain the park for the 2024 recreation season. Iowa State Parks provide challenging environments to expand park management skills and prepare potential candidates for a career in state parks or similar fields.
More: Seasonal Patrol Officer at Iowa State Parks

Ready to Apply?

Careers with the DNR enjoy a culture of meaningful and satisfying work with a family friendly environment. Our staff work towards the DNR mission every day, which is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organization, to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.


Employment tips for applying.

Current openings with the Iowa DNR can also be found through the State of Iowa employment portal.

When applying, keep in mind the following tips:

  • complete the online application
  • always attach a resume and cover letter
    • cover letter is your opportunity to convey why you are interested in the position and how your skills and abilities connect to the job.
    • resume should showcase your knowledge, skills, and abilities relatable to the critical competencies and essential functions from the job description you are applying for.
  • reach out to the supervisor or point of contact to ask questions and show your interest.

Iowa DNR Careers

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.

Vision:
Leading Iowans in caring for our natural resources.

Hiring Motto:
Hire the right person for the right job at the right time!

DNR recognizes and strives to capitalize on the fact that employees are our most valuable resource. DNR seeks to recruit, hire, train, develop and retain the very best employees.

Guiding Principles:
Customer Focus, Long-Term Thinking, Results/Outcome Orientation, Data-Based Decisions, Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Empowerment, Valuing Employees, Mutual Respect, Collaboration, and Integrity

Core Competencies:
Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Customer Focus, and Technical Skills.

Application Preferences:
DNR highly encourages interested applicants to upload a resume and cover letter when applying for all DNR positions through the DAS NEOGOV application system.