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.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Fisheries Biologist in the Lake Macbride Fish Management District. As a key contributor, you will play a crucial role in overseeing and enhancing fisheries resources across a ten-county area in Southeast Iowa. The primary focus of this position is on managing aquatic ecosystems, protecting and restoring watersheds, and promoting responsible fishing practices. This multifaceted role requires collaboration with political subdivisions, community leaders, NGOs, federal and state agencies and private citizens to achieve sustainable fisheries management. Key responsibilities include:

Fisheries Management Planning:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan for the district.
• Review and approve annual fisheries management plans and conduct organized surveys of lakes and streams.
• Analyze and interpret survey data and use this information to enhance fisheries and aquatic resources.
• Prepare scientific reports, review stocking requests, and manage fishing tournaments.
• Develop special management studies to evaluate specific fisheries concerns.
• Develop and initiate habitat and in lake improvements on lakes in the district.
• Investigate fish kills immediately and coordinate with environmental services and local conservation officer, as needed.

Watershed Protection:

• Provide guidance on practices to protect and enhance priority watersheds in the Lake Macbride District.
• Coordinate with federal, state, county and city agencies/programs to implement watershed management programs, including Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development.
• Assist managing entities in identifying and solving watershed issues that affect fish and fishing.
• Contribute to restoration project development and implementation schedules.

Urban Fishing Promotion:

• Develop relationships with managing entities to promote urban fishing opportunities.
• Assist in organizing promotional events by collaborating with all government levels, agencies, organized groups, conservation education personnel, marketing staff, private individuals, and community leaders.
• Provide expertise on funding sources for the development and promotion of fishing opportunities.

Public Relations and Education:

• Conduct a comprehensive public relations program through various media channels.
• Organize fishing clinics, outdoor classrooms, and participate in regional sports shows to promote fishing and conservation programs.
• Respond to public inquiries, provide technical assistance on aquatic and environmental issues, and foster collaboration with fisheries-related groups and organizations.

Administration and Cost Center Management:

• Ensure timely payment of claims and bills, maintain equipment inventory, and manage cost center expenditures responsibly.
• Provide capital improvement project requests, maintaining the office area and fisheries equipment.

Personnel Management and Training:

• Review and approve work activities for Natural Resource Technician II and seasonal employees.
• Attend and coordinate training sessions as needed for professional development.

What We Offer:

• A pivotal role in enhancing and sustaining aquatic ecosystems and fisheries resources.
• Collaboration with diverse stakeholders for impactful fisheries management.
• Inclusive work environment promoting cooperation and teamwork.
• Opportunities for professional growth through training and development.

If you are passionate about fisheries management, watershed protection, and promoting responsible fishing practices, apply now for the Fisheries Manager position in the Lake Macbride Fish Management District. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable fisheries in this vibrant district.

Essential Functions
Identifies and solves problems using advanced knowledge of fish science and management of aquatic ecosystems to maintain or enhance fishery resources.
Leads implementation of watershed management strategies through Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development Protocols to protect and enhance lake and stream water quality.
Surveys fish populations in lakes and streams using a variety of standard and specialized fish sampling gears and does so in a scientifically acceptable, efficient, and effective manner consistent with Standard Fish Sampling Operating Procedures.
Communicates management activities effectively both written and oral communications, including formal presentations to professional groups and the public.
Lifts and carries equipment and supplies that weigh up to 50 pounds and performs physical labor, outdoors, in any type of weather and in rugged terrain.
Leads a team of fisheries professionals and directs their daily activities.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Communication Skills (oral and written), Leadership Skills, Computer Skills, Project Management, Technical Competence - (fisheries biology)

Comments

Public Pesticide Applicator Certification required within six months of employment.
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 $61/month for single and $205/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.
• Flexible schedules and opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)

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.

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

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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.900 Fisheries Biology 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, including at least twelve semester hours (or the academic equivalent) in fisheries biology, or nine semester hours in wildlife biology, and the equivalent of two years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries work or two years of full-time work experience in professional wildlife work;a master's degree in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, or fisheries management or wildlife management;employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty-six months of full-time work as a Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2 shall be qualified.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

• Certain designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Commercial Drivers License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.
• Certain designated positions require the employee to be certified by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority.