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Employment

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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

[May 6] Position: Program Planner 3

The Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Fire Program Manager that will administer and implement the cooperative programs for State and Volunteer Fire Capacity across Iowa. This position will provide wildland and prescribed fire management assistance to department staff, other state agencies, local government officials, volunteer fire departments, non-profit organizations and other groups interested in managing and protecting natural resources across the State of Iowa.

Job number: 24-03512
Location: 2404 South Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Hours: 8:00 AM -4:30 PM; statewide and out-of-state travel for meetings, and occasional other shifts required
Closing Date: May 6, 2024 – 11:59 p.m.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Program Planner 3


[May 2] Position: Environmental Specialist - Field Services & Compliance Bureau

Are you passionate about preserving Iowa's natural beauty and ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites dedicated individuals to join our mission of conservation and enhancement of natural resources. If you're ready to make a difference, we're looking for a committed Environmental Specialist to join our team at Field Office #2 in Mason City, Iowa. As an Environmental Specialist, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team of professionals to uphold environmental regulations and promote a safe and clean environment for the residents and businesses of Northcentral Iowa across a 15-county region. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the preservation of Iowa's ecological integrity.

Job number: 24-03547
Location: 2300 15th St. SW, Mason City, Iowa 50401
Hours: 80 hrs/2 weeks, 8:00-4:30, M-F, plus 24/7 on-call emergency response, statewide travel for meetings, and occasional evenings for public/other meetings
Closing Date: May 2, 2024 – 11:59 p.m.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Environmental Specialist - Field Services & Compliance Bureau


[May 1] Position: Executive Officer 2 - Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking qualified candidates for an Asset Manager position in the State Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau. Are you passionate about preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Iowa's state parks, forests, and preserves? Do you thrive on managing resources to make a tangible difference in recreational spaces enjoyed by thousands? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you! As the State Parks Asset Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing the budget, infrastructure, and accessibility compliance of Iowa's diverse state park system. Your responsibilities will include overseeing funding mechanisms, conducting maintenance evaluations, and ensuring ADA accessibility compliance, all with the aim of enhancing visitor experiences and preserving our natural heritage.

Job number: 24-03548
Location: 6200 Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50321
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, some non-standard days, weekends and travel
Closing Date: May 1, 2024 – 11:59 p.m.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information:
Position: Executive Officer 2 - Parks, Forests, and Preserves 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 Park Employee at Iowa State Parks
Seasonal Park Employee Opportunities at Iowa State Parks - MAP

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.