Job Information
Iowa Department of Administrative Services Trout Hatchery Manager in Elkader, Iowa
Trout Hatchery Manager
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Trout Hatchery Manager
Salary
$54,766.40 - $83,012.80 Annually
Location
Elkader - 52043 - Clayton County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
24-04280
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
06/14/2024
Closing Date
6/28/2024 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Mike Siepker, michael.siepker@dnr.iowa.gov, (563) 380-3424
To Apply
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a resume and cover letter to the 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.
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 qualified and passionate Trout Hatchery Manager to join our team at the Big Spring Fish Hatchery. The Hatchery Manager is responsible for the efficient operation of the cold water hatchery, ensuring trout production and distribution goals are met while also managing public access and improving water quality in stocked fisheries.
Key Responsibilities
Trout Culture and Distribution:
Oversee all aspects of trout culture, including feeding regimes, growth monitoring, and water quality management.
Implement disease prevention and control measures.
Continuously improve fish culture methods and techniques.
Coordinate with regional supervisors and biologists to fulfill trout stocking requests.
Manage the distribution of trout, including loading, transporting, and releasing fish.
Maintain detailed records of trout culture activities.
Collaborate with research personnel to optimize trout culture practices.
Facility and Equipment Maintenance:
Maintain hatchery buildings, grounds, and equipment.
Monitor and upkeep infrastructure such as plumbing and ponds.
Operate and maintain heavy machinery and manual tools.
Oversee shop area and ensure proper care for tools and equipment.
Team Leader Responsibilities:
Provide on-site direction to hatchery staff, including scheduling and workload distribution.
Promote a teamwork atmosphere and encourage professional growth.
Ensure all staff have access to necessary training.
Oversee the training and work of team members to ensure safety and efficiency.
Report on work assignments and activities, including employee recognition and support needs.
Fishing Access and Water Quality Improvement:
Assist the Decorah and Manchester regional fish management districts with efforts to improve water quality and fishing access in the hatchery watershed and stocked streams.
Maintain stocking and public access areas and recommend improvements.
Work with private landowners to expand public fishing access and enhance trout stream habitat and water quality.
The Big Spring Hatchery Manager also has administrative, training, and meeting duties typical of a State of Iowa employee. All Fisheries Bureau employees serve a role in the Department's Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Program and other outreach and education efforts. This requires them to maintain knowledge of DNR programs, projects, and issues and communicate information to general public or refer questions to proper DNR personnel.
Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills and limestone bluffs of Northeast Iowa’s Driftless Area, Big Spring Hatchery is dedicated to supplying streams and rivers with healthy trout that support important recreational fisheries. The hatchery's namesake, Big Spring, is Iowa's largest cold water spring, providing essential water for our 24 raceways and 4 earthen ponds. The Big Spring watershed is renowned for its unique karst landscape, featuring large sinkholes, losing streams, and caves. This area is a showcase for groundwater studies and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation.
Essential Functions
Identifies and solves problems using advanced knowledge of fish culture science to maintain or enhance hatchery
production.
Identifies fishery management needs and collaborates with team members and partners to address those needs.
Leads implementation of fish distribution plans to meet production and management goals.
Communicates culture activities effectively both written and oral communications, including formal presentations,
to colleagues, 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 - (cold water streams, cool/warm water river systems, cold water fish culture, statistical/analytical skills)
Why Join Us:
Make a tangible difference in conserving Iowa's natural resources and enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Work alongside dedicated professionals who share your passion for environmental stewardship.
Inclusive work environment promoting cooperation and teamwork.
Enjoy a dynamic and challenging work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Opportunities for professional growth through training and development.
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.
Employee Assistance Program.
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 (as approved by supervisor).
Family friendly and professional work environment.
Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).
Comments
Public Pesticide Applicator Certification required within six months of employment.
Normal hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday with participation in a weekend work rotation. Some evening/night duty, rotating shifts required. Some travel and overnight stay required. Emergency response mandatory,
therefore, employee must live within 30 miles of the Big Spring Hatchery.
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application.
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 theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit theDNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment) website.
The State of Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Iowa DNR Mission
The DNR seeks to hire individuals who wish to support our mission, which is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organization, 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 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 Fisheries Biology?
Yes
No
07
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
08
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/
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