Job Information
Iowa Department of Administrative Services Urban Wildlife Biologist in Des Moines, Iowa
Urban Wildlife Biologist
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Urban Wildlife Biologist
Salary
$54,766.40 - $83,012.80 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
25-01355
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
11/18/2024
Closing Date
12/5/2024 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Todd Bishop, 515-238-6461; todd.bishop@dnr.iowa.gov
To Apply
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Natural Resource and Wildlife Management Biologist to join our team. This role involves professional planning, management, research, monitoring, and outreach activities associated with wildlife and natural resource management. The successful candidate will provide technical assistance on public policy, ordinances, city and park master plans, sustainable development, watershed protection, transportation planning, and wildlife habitat management, primarily for municipalities and communities.
• Planning and Management: Perform professional planning, management, research, monitoring, and outreach duties associated with wildlife and natural resource management. Provide technical assistance with public policy, ordinances, city and park master plans, sustainable development planning, watershed protection planning, transportation planning, and wildlife habitat management for municipalities.
• Community Engagement and Conflict Resolution: Provide conflict resolution, consensus-building and community engagement to support natural resource management and wildlife populations within communities, their incorporated boundaries, and other rural residential areas. Working with local governments, develop tools that help residents resolve conflicts with wildlife, prevent conflicts before they start, and promote desired wildlife habitat and conservation on public and private properties.
• Technical Guidance and Education: Provide technical guidance to local governments, private landowners, conservation organizations, corporations and the general public regarding wildlife and natural resource management, habitat assessment, and wildlife populations. Create wildlife and habitat management plans for public and private properties. Perform proactive outreach and situation-specific technical assistance that helps minimize human-wildlife conflicts and foster an appreciation and understanding of wildlife.
• Outreach and Public Relations: Conduct high visibility projects with community partners to promote wildlife and habitat activities via workshops, presentations, social media, video productions and news media outlets.
• Funding and Partnership Development: Actively seek grant opportunities, develop partnerships, and secure funding to support natural resource and wildlife management initiatives.
Essential Functions
Provides recommendations to city and county administrators to help resolve and/or minimize human-wildlife conflict on matters of public policy, ordinances, city and park master plans, sustainable development planning, watershed protection planning, transportation planning, and wildlife habitat management for municipalities.
Prepares wildlife and habitat management plans for public and private properties.
Coordinates with Iowa State University Extension and USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services to provide proactive outreach and education efforts, situation-specific technical assistance, and on-site response to wildlife-related emergencies.
Helps city administrators, residents, and private business owners minimize and resolve human-wildlife conflict issues in their communities
Applicants must meet requirements of DAS Selective Certification #901 - Wildlife Biology, which requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, six months experience, or a combination of both in the area of wildlife biology.
Critical Job Competencies
Must have, or be able to obtain, the following certifications and licensure:
S-130/S-190 Firefighter Training Qualification
S-212 Chainsaw Safety Training Qualification
Driver's License
CPR/First Aid Certification
Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management, Technical Skills (wildlife management), Conflict Management, and Collaboration.
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)
Flexible work schedules(as approved by the supervisor).
Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
Workout/gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.
The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more information.
Comments
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 (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.
Ensure you are kept up-to-date on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@governmentjobs.com. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.
DNR Application Tips (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment)
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-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.
Selectives
901Wildlife 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 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;
OR
a master's degree in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, or fisheries management or wildlife management;
OR
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 thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/NaturalResourcesBiologist-05340.pdf)
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.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?
Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
Yes - I understand and agree.
No
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
03
Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences with at least twelve semester hours (or the academic equivalent) in fisheries biology,ORnine semester hours in wildlife biology?IF YES
How many years do you have of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work?
Not applicable – I do not have a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences
No full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
Less than one year of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
One year to less than two years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
Two or more years of full-time work experience in professional fisheries or wildlife work
04
Do you have a Master's degree in fisheries biology, wildlife biology, or fisheries management or wildlife management?
Yes
No
05
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2 for the State of Iowa?
Not applicable – I am not a State of Iowa employee
Less than three years of experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2
Three or more years of experience in the classification of Natural Resources Technician 1 or 2
06
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours or a combination of both in Wildlife Biology?
Yes
No
07
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.
08
After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?
Yes
No
09
Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.
Required Question
Agency
State of Iowa
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Address
6200 Park Ave
STE 200
Des Moines, Iowa, 50321
Website
http://www.iowadnr.gov/
Apply
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