Anticipated Start: December, 2020
Location: Maquoketa, IA
Overview and Job Duties
One position is available for a highly qualified individual to work in a joint capacity with Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote healthy forest management. Funding for this position is currently secured for 1 year with potential for renewal. The successful applicant will help public land managers improve their woodlands for wildlife, recreation, and soil and water quality.
The successful applicant will serve as an employee of Wildlife Management Institute and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the local DNR staff. Work priorities will be determined by the local DNR District Forester and Wildlife Biologists in conjunction with the DNR Wildlife Supervisor. Training and support will be provided by the Iowa DNR, in particular the District Forester and DNR Wildlife Supervisor. Duties will include:
- Work closely with the local District Forester and Wildlife Biologist to develop forest stewardship plans on publicly owned properties, with a focus on DNR Wildlife Management Areas.
- Promote active forest management on public forests.
- Provide technical assistance to public land managers including conducting site visits and the development of forest management plans.
- Monitor forest health by identifying forest insects, diseases and invasive plants.
- Duties will also include site assessment and monitoring, regular tracking and reporting of accomplishments.
- Attendance at relevant DNR meetings and/or trainings will also be required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Superior communication (written and oral) skills. Must be comfortable both speaking in public and in engaging on a one-to-one basis.
- Willingness to be a vocal advocate for young forests and active forest management to natural resource professionals.
- Strong tree and plant identification skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Knowledge of basic forest ecology and dynamics, especially related to the forest communities of Iowa.
- Ability to interpret aerial photography, topographic maps, and navigate in remote areas with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of common tree diseases and insect pests.
- Knowledge of and ability to identify common invasive/non-native woodland plants.
- Ability to perform routine forest inventory and collect point/plot sample data using common forest mensuration tools including wedge prism, biltmore stick, diameter tape, compass, etc.
- Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife management.
- Ability to work long hours in the field and under adverse weather conditions.
- Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel and ArcMap.
- Valid driver’s license required with an acceptable driving record.
Qualifications
Minimum - Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or closely related field from an accredited academic institution. Preference will be given to candidates who have professional experience related to forest and/or forest wildlife management. Experience developing forest stewardship plans is also beneficial.
Compensation
Salaried position, pays $39,439/year ($20.50/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, incumbents will be expected to work no more than an average of 74 hours per two-week pay period. Work vehicles, office space, computers, etc. will be provided. These positions will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, and professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. These positions are not eligible for vacation pay, sick leave, health or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. Incumbents will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plans.
To Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to Brian.Hickman@dnr.iowa.gov and Katy.Reeder@dnr.iowa.gov by 5pm C.S.T. on November 6, 2020. For questions about the duties, locations, etc., contact Brian Hickman or Katy Reeder at Iowa DNR. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson