The Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program is seeking a full-time temporary research and habitat management technician to assist with data management, data collection, and habitat management. This position is a unique opportunity to work in both wildlife research and land management.
Job Title: Wildlife Research and Management Technician, Full-time Temporary
Department: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (542)
Location: Saylorville Wildlife Unit - Bays Branch Office, 3123 200th St. Panora, IA 50216
Hourly Rate: $15.25/hour
Start Date: May 22, 2026 (flexible)
End Date: August 13, 2026 (flexible)
Maximum Hours: 40 hours/week (Total maximum of 779 hours)
Job Description and Core Duties
- Track Blanding’s Turtles using radio telemetry on foot, from boat, and/or in kayak.
- Trap, capture and identify pregnant female Blanding’s Turtles and transport to Blank Park Zoo.
- Perform general wildlife management activities including: Prairie management, prescribed fire, native prairie seeding, brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
- Opportunities for other wildlife surveys and monitoring as needed including: chronic wasting disease sampling, goose roundup, Bumble Bee Atlas surveys, owl and nightjar surveys.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Degree in wildlife biology or related field (or in progress) and knowledge of wildlife ecology (particularly wildlife classified as non-game) and scientific data collection techniques.
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Detail-oriented and organized.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Experience working with reptiles and/or handling reptiles a plus.
- Experience with data entry.
- Able and willing to work long hours in the outdoors in all weather conditions, hike over uneven terrain, and lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
- Experience operating and maintaining habitat management equipment, such as chainsaws, tractors, and mowers a plus.
- Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including some weekends, early mornings, and late nights.
How to Apply:
Deadline for Application: February 6, 2026 by 5 PM CST.
To receive full consideration, you must send a cover letter, resume/cv, and contact information (name, title, phone, and email) of three professional references as a single PDF document in an email with the subject line “Wildlife Research and Management Technician” to: Riggs Wilson, Wildlife Research Specialist riggs.wilson@dnr.iowa.gov
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is an EEO/AA EMPLOYER.