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.

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.

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.

Join the Team

Photo of a DNR employee introducing a bluejay to a child

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.

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

[Jun 26] Position: Environmental Specialist Senior – Land Quality Bureau

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an environmental senior specialist position available within the Solid Waste and Contaminated Sites Section, located in Des Moines, Iowa. In this position you will be involved in furthering the DNR’s mission to conserve and enhance our natural resources by providing environmental compliance oversight, direction, and assistance to landowners and responsible parties for the investigation and remediation of hazardous substances and contaminant releases.

Job number: 23-04061
Location: 502 E 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, 40 hours/week, some travel
Closing Date: June 26, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Environmental Specialist Senior – Land Quality Bureau

[Jun 21] Position: Wildlife Technician (Natural Resources Technician 2) - Conservation & Recreation, Wildlife, Management

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking professional applicants for the position of Wildlife Technician at the Big Marsh Wildlife Unit in Butler County.

Job number: 23-04068
Location: 20351 270th Street, Parkersburg, IA 50665
Hours: 8:00 -4:30 M-F, occasional extended hours, overnight travel and weekends
Closing Date: June 21, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Wildlife Technician (Natural Resources Technician 2) - Conservation & Recreation, Wildlife, Management

[Jun 15] Position: Communication Specialist (Information Specialist 2) - Director's Office, Communication, Outreach and Marketing Bureau

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting and dynamic vacancy for a Communication Specialist in the Department's Communications, Outreach and Marketing Bureau. This position will join a team of 26 full-time environmental and outdoor recreation outreach specialists. This position will be the key liaison for communication efforts for the Environmental Services Division, which includes the Water Quality, Land Quality, Air Quality, and Field Services and Compliance bureaus. It also assists with the DNR's award-winning social media presences and website and has a special emphasis on video production.

Job number: 23-04087
Location: 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Hours: 8-4:30 Monday-Friday, some travel may be required
Closing Date: June 15, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Communication Specialist (Information Specialist 2) - Director's Office, Communication, Outreach and Marketing Bureau

[Jun 8] Position: State Park Technician (Natural Resource Technician 1) - CRD/Parks

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and dedicated to preserving and maintaining the natural beauty of our state parks? Join the Iowa DNR’s Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau as a Park Technician at Prairie Rose State Park, Lake of Three Fires State Park, or Gull Point State Park. We are currently hiring multiple technicians to support our 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.

Job number: 23-03979
Location: 680 Rd M-47 Harlan, IA 51537, 2303 Lake Road Bedford, IA 50833 or 1500 Harpen St Milford, IA 51351
Hours: M-F 8-4:30 in the non peak season, hours and shifts vary in the rec season
Closing Date: June 8, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: State Park Technician (Natural Resource Technician 1) - CRD/Parks

[Jun 6] Position: Data Manager (Statistical Research Analyst 3) - ESD, WQB, Water Supply Operations

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking a skilled and dedicated Statistical Research Analyst 3 to join the Water Quality Bureau's Water Supply Operations team. As the Drinking Water Database Manager, you will play a vital role in data management, analysis, maintenance, and enhancement of the drinking water database and other bureau applications.

Job number: 23-03999
Location: Wallace Building, 502 E 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50319
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Closing Date: June 6, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Data Manager (Statistical Research Analyst 3) - ESD, WQB, Water Supply Operations

[Jun 5] Position: State Park Technician (Natural Resource Technician 1) - CRD/Parks/Prairie Rose State Park

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently has an opening for a Park Technician position at Prairie Rose State Park. This park encompasses over 600 acres of diverse landscapes that offers a picturesque blend of rolling prairies, woodlands, and a beautiful lake, providing visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and tranquil experiences in nature. The park's abundant natural beauty, from vibrant wildflowers to captivating birdlife, sets the stage for unforgettable adventures. With a range of activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, Prairie Rose State Park caters to the interests of outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Its well-maintained facilities, educational programs, and dedicated staff create a welcoming environment for visitors, while conservation efforts ensure the preservation of its remarkable biodiversity.

Job number: 23-03979
Location: 680 Rd M-47 Harlan, IA 51537
Hours: M-F 8-4:30 in the non peak season, hours and shifts vary in the rec season
Closing Date: June 5, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: State Park Technician (Natural Resource Technician 1) - CRD/Parks/Prairie Rose State Park

[Jun 5] Position: Environmental Engineer - ESD, Air Quality, Construction Permits

The DNR’s Air Quality Bureau provides a critical service for Iowa citizens and environmental quality by partnering with communities, business and industry, organizations and private citizens to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to create workable solutions to ensure that Iowa's air quality is maintained and is in compliance with all state and federal regulations.

Job number: 23-03870
Location: 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Hours: 8:00am -4:30pm, Monday -Friday; some travel required
Closing Date: June 5, 2023 – 11:59 p.m

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Environmental Engineer - ESD, Air Quality, Construction Permits

2023 Seasonal Positions

Job Opportunity – Seasonal Technicians (5)
Posting Expires: Ongoing until positions filled
The Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section (WQMAS) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to hire five seasonal technicians for the purpose of water quality field sampling. Technicians will earn an hourly rate of $16.00. Technicians will have the opportunity to work in several of the DNR WQMAS stream, lake, shallow lake, wetland, fish kill follow-up, and beach monitoring programs.

Job Opportunity – Seasonal Technicians (5) - Description




Seasonal Park Patrol Officer
Posting Expires: Ongoing until positions filled
Seasonal Park Patrol Officers are temporary, summer employees of the Iowa DNR. Patrol Officers are positions of high responsibility helping to ensure a safe recreational environment for the public. Patrol Officer positions are available in state parks and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) parks across Iowa.

Seasonal Park Patrol Officer Locations include (# refers to SPO positions):

  • District 1: Black Hawk (1), Gull Point (2), Lewis and Clark (1), Stone (1)
  • District 2: Clear Lake (1), George Wyth (1), McIntosh Woods (1), Yellow River Camping (2)
  • District 3: Lake Anita (1), Lake Manawa (1), Lake of Three Fires (1), Prairie Rose (2), Springbrook (1), Waubonsie (1), Wilson Island (1)
  • District 4: Big Creek (1), Honey Creek (1), Ledges (1), Rock Creek (1)
  • District 5: Macbride (2), Lake Wapello (2), Pleasant Creek (2), Wapsipinicon (1)
  • OHV Parks: Gypsum City (1), Bluff Creek (1), RiverView (1), LakeView (1)

Seasonal Park Patrol Officer Position Information

Park Contact Information Listings




Seasonal Park Employee
Posting Expires: Ongoing until positions filled
Iowa State Parks are seeking motivated individuals to help maintain the park for the 2023 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. Duties include various aspects of park operations including facility and grounds maintenance, natural resource management, and visitor engagement. The role of the seasonal employee plays an integral part in enhancing visitors' experience.
Seasonal Park Employee Position Information



Iowa DNR Careers


Current openings with the Iowa DNR can be found listed on this page below, but also through the State of Iowa employment portal.


Find a State of Iowa Career


For DNR specific listings:

  • Choose to "Filter"
  • Choose an "Agency"
  • DNR will be listed as
    542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Looking to volunteer? Check out our volunteer opportunities!


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.


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.