Fisheries Management Biologist
Fisheries Management Biologist
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Job Description
Job Description
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.
Are you passionate about fisheries management and ready to take on a leadership role in Iowas most populated fish management district The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Fish Management Biologist to oversee and enhance fisheries resources across a sevencounty region in central Iowa. This position is more than just a key member of the teamit is a leadership role responsible for guiding fisheries management efforts fostering partnerships and ensuring sustainable highquality fishing opportunities for Iowans.
As the districts lead fisheries biologist you will direct datadriven management strategies implement habitat and watershed improvements and work closely with communities stakeholders and government agencies to promote healthy aquatic ecosystems. This role requires strong communication skills technical expertise and the ability to balance fieldwork public engagement and administrative responsibilities.
Primary Responsibilities:- Lead Fisheries Management Efforts Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive fisheries management plan for the Boone Fish Management District. Conduct fish population surveys using a variety of standard and specialized sampling techniques analyze data and make sciencebased decisions regarding stocking harvest regulations population restructuring and habitat improvements.
- Enhance Water Quality & Habitat Direct watershed protection efforts by implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development (LID) Protocols to improve lake and stream water quality. Collaborate with state and federal agencies local governments and conservation groups to identify and address environmental concerns affecting fisheries resources. Initiate habitat enhancement projects to improve aquatic ecosystems within the district.
- Urban Fisheries Development Expand and improve urban fishing opportunities by working with local municipalities park departments and community organizations. Provide expertise on funding sources for fisheries development and lead promotional events that engage the public in fishing and conservation initiatives.
- Permit Review Review and provide direction on floodplains sovereign land water use and channel change permits to preserve aqautic natural resources throughout the district.
- Public Engagement & Outreach Serve as the primary spokesperson for fisheries management in the district. Communicate with the public fishing organizations and media outlets through presentations fishing clinics public meetings and regional sports shows. Utilize newspapers radio television and digital platforms to promote fishing and aquatic resource conservation efforts.
- Interagency & Stakeholder Collaboration Build strong working relationships with local government officials conservation organizations NGOs and state and federal agencies to support fisheries management goals. Represent the Iowa DNR in intra and interagency meetings fostering cooperation and collaboration on fisheriesrelated policies and initiatives.
- Personnel & Team Leadership Lead a team of fisheries professionals providing mentorship guidance and oversight to Natural Resource Technician II and seasonal staff. Assign daily responsibilities review work activities and support staff in their professional development.
- Administrative & Financial Oversight Manage cost center budgets approve expenditures ensure proper maintenance of equipment and facilities and oversee capital improvement project requests. Maintain accurate records and ensure timely processing of financial transactions.
- Incident Response & Research Participation Investigate fish kills in coordination with environmental services and law enforcement agencies. Participate in special fisheries research studies assist with new lake projects and contribute to statewide walleye broodstock collection efforts as assigned.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a dedicated team in managing fisheries resources in Iowas most populated region. If you are a fisheries professional with leadership skills technical expertise and a passion for enhancing aquatic ecosystems we invite you to apply and make a lasting impact on Iowas fisheries.
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
The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
- High Productivity produces consistent high quality and quantity products.
- Communication Skills conveys information clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
- Team Player fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
- Employee Development Provides effective coaching and uses appropriate methods to help others develop their talents and capabilities.
- Interpersonal Skills develops and maintains effective relationships with others.
- Common Sense applies appropriate criteria and sound judgment.
- Customer Focus knowledgeable about DNRs products and services and delivers as appropriate.
- Technical Competence understands and evaluates technical issues and advises others (large impoundments small impoundments warmwater river systems community fisheries).
- Accountability sets well defined realistic goals and meets those goals.
Integrity displays high standards of ethical conduct honesty and is trustworthy.
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 $64/month for single and $210/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.
- Family friendly and professional work environment.
- Employee Discount Programs (vision cellular fitness recreation season passes travel counseling)
- The States total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30 of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits please visit theDAS website for more information.
- Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
Comments
Must obtain a Public Pesticide Applicator Certification within six months of employment.
College or university students that are pending graduation in May 2025 with a Bachelors Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position.
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 States 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.
Ensure you are kept uptodate of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices please visit theDNR 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.
Selectives
900 Fisheries Biology 6 months experience 12 semester hours or a combination of both.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelors 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 fulltime work experience in professional fisheries work or two years of fulltime work experience in professional wildlife work;
ORa masters degree in fisheries biology wildlife biology or fisheries management or wildlife management;ORemployees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirtysix months of fulltime 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.Additional Qualification Requirements
- 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.
Employment Type
Full-Time
