Employment opportunities

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until filled, and interviews are scheduled as applications are received. The successful applicant can expect to start within 2-4 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

1 year. The position may be extended for additional years pending funding and job performance. If the position is extended, the candidate may be reassigned to another location in Iowa.

Overview and Job Duties

A 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. The successful applicant will help private landowners improve their woodlands for wildlife, recreation, wood products, and soil and water quality.

The successful applicant will serve as an employee of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the local DNR staff. Work priorities will be determined by local DNR District Foresters in conjunction with the DNR Private Lands Coordinator and the USDA-NRCS agreement funding the position. Training and support will be provided by the Iowa DNR, in particular the local District Forester and the Private Lands Program Coordinator. Duties will include:

• Work closely with the local District Forester and NRCS staff to identify opportunities for forest restoration and management.
• Work with private landowners to provide technical assistance for managing their properties, including conducting site visits and development of forest management plans.
• Develop Forest Management Plans and prescribed burning plans that meet NRCS standards and program requirements.
• Conduct outreach activities to promote forest management objectives within the designated working area.
• Work with private landowners to provide information and assistance with available conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and other federal, state, and local programs.
• Conduct Landowner Workshops / Field Days in identified priority focus areas annually.
• Duties will also include contract development and coordination, site assessment and monitoring, and regular tracking and reporting of accomplishments.
• Attendance at relevant DNR and NRCS 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 landowners on a one-to-one basis.
• Willingness to be a vocal advocate for young forests and active forest management to landowners and natural resource professionals.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of basic forest ecology and dynamics, especially related to the forest communities of Iowa.
• Knowledge of basic principles of wildlife management.
• Knowledge of relevant conservation programs, including Federal Farm Bill programs (CRP, EQIP and CSP), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife program, and other applicable federal, state, and local conservation programs.
• Ability to work long hours in the field and under adverse weather conditions.
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, and GIS.
• 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 working with private landowners to develop conservation plans is also beneficial.

Compensation

This salaried position pays $39,439/year ($20.50/hour equivalent). As a limited term employee of WMI, the incumbent 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. The position 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. The positions are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. The positions are not eligible for vacation pay, sick leave, or disability benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. The incumbent will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan.

Locations

Fairfield, Iowa

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to Katy.Fullin@dnr.iowa.gov. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Katy Fullin at Iowa DNR. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at SWilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.

Compensation: $22/hour 
Location: Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire
Duration: mid-May to early-August
Application Deadline: Open until positions filled

The Wildlife Management Institute, in partnership with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, seeks to hire four seasonal technicians to conduct playback surveys for American Goshawk throughout Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Field work will include extensive hiking in remote areas to conduct systematic playback surveys over large sampling areas often in challenging environments. Surveys are based on the USFS Goshawk Bioregional Monitoring Design, and each sampling area covers 600 hectares with 4-minute playback surveys every 200 meters placed along parallel transects. GPS units will be used to navigate and locate survey points within sampling areas. Strong raptor identification (sight and sound) and orienteering skills are required. Additionally, applicants should be able to hike over long distances, be capable of moderate to strenuous physical activities, and work in inclement weather. When goshawks are detected, follow up surveys to locate nests may be conducted. Surveys will be completed in teams of two, and each team will need to work independently to complete objectives, with additional support mostly being provided remotely. Field technicians will need to have their own vehicle to access survey locations throughout the three states. Pay will be approximately $22/hour. Payment will be by direct deposit every 2 weeks. Technicians will need to procure their own lodging and transportation to field sites, but funds will be provided to offset these expenses. Positions will be 40 hours/week and begin in early/mid-May and extend through July/early August. These positions offer an opportunity to work with several state and private conservation organizations with a raptor of high conservation concern while exploring some of the most beautiful areas in New England. Interested applicants should send any specific questions about the positions to Andrew Vitz (andrew.vitz@mass.gov) and a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to Meghan Gilbart (mgilbart@wildlifemgt.org). Applications will be reviewed as they come in and until positions are filled.

Application Deadline

The announcement is open until filled, and interviews are scheduled as applications are received. The successful applicant can expect to start within 2-4 weeks after a job offer.

Position Duration

1 year. The position may be extended for additional years pending funding and job performance.

Overview and Job Duties

A position is available for a highly qualified individual to work in a joint capacity with Wildlife Management Institute, Inc. (WMI) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help manage the natural resources, maintain beauty and safety of Iowa’s state parks and engage with the public to promote our DNR mission.

The successful candidate will serve as an employee of WMI and receive supervision from WMI with daily instructions provided by the local DNR staff. Work priorities will be determined by the District Park Supervisor in conjunction with the local park manager. Training and support will be provided by the Iowa DNR. Weekends and various hours are part of the position during the recreation season. Duties will include:

• Work closely with the park manager to maintain and upkeep all park facilities including offices, service buildings, restrooms, shower buildings, heating/cooling systems, water and wastewater systems, campgrounds, shelters, dock, roadways, trails, playgrounds and fences. Work closely with the park manager to maintain all public areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Participate in the management of vegetation, wildlife and fish population, prescribed fire of prairie and timber areas, vegetation plantings, pruning, habitat improvement and/or construction. Assist with the removal and control of invasive species.
• Maintain multi-use trail system in a manner that ensures both visitor safety and integrity of the resources.
• Engage in public appearances both on and off the area to promote the state park system, recreational safety and natural resource management.
• Assist park visitors with questions, problems and their requests for help.
• Attend regular training sessions, DNR meetings, and other relevant meetings.
• Assist with the completion of written reports and handling fee collection according to DNR policies.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Operation and maintenance of various power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions.
• Perform physically demanding work such as stooping, bending and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Comprehend and follow written and oral instructions while effectively communicating technical information with attention to detail.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate as a team member to solve problems and improve service delivery.
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with management and other staff members.
• Adapt to change, work pressure or challenging situations with composure.
• Demonstrate initiative, strong customer service skills and a commitment to ethical conduct and teamwork.
• Attend work on a regular and punctual basis, and provide training to staff and volunteers.
• Obtain or maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to live within 30 road miles of their assigned state park/recreation area as outlined in DNR Park Bureau Policy.

Qualifications

Minimum – The equivalent of two years of full-time experience involving facilities maintenance in plumbing, electrical and/or heating and cooling, or semi-skilled or technical work in biological, horticultural, conservation or natural resources program; or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of college level course work in a biological or natural resources program for the required experience.

Compensation

This position pays $38,480/year ($20/hour). As a limited term employee of WMI, the incumbent will be expected to work no more than 74 hours per two-week pay period. Work vehicles, office space, computers, etc. will be provided. The position 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. The positions are eligible for health, dental and vision insurance coverage. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. The incumbent will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan.

Location

Geode State Park – Henry County, Iowa

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter and three professional references as one Word or pdf file. Send to Ron Moore at Ron.Moore@dnr.iowa.gov or 641/777-0229. For questions about the duties, location, etc., contact Ron Moore at Iowa DNR. For questions about WMI, contact Scot Williamson at swilliamson@wildlifemgt.org.