Natural Resources Technician 2

~ The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. ~

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.

Job Description / Position Overview

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a job vacancy for a Natural Resource Technician 2 position, within the Wildlife Bureau located at the Missouri River Wildlife Unit in Onawa, IA.

• Job Number: 20-01638
• Point of Contact Pete Hildreth,  712-254-0955

Responsibilities

Project Administration and Habitat Management:

• The Natural Resources Technician 2 (NRT2) is responsible for completion of reports on a daily, quarterly, and annual basis to comply with department policy and operating procedures. Various reports include monthly cost accounting, annual asset inventory, vehicle reports, claim vouchers, agency purchase orders, property boundary inspection reports, work accomplishment reports, time sheets, water level management plans, work injury reports, and evaluation of temporary employees.
• This employee is also responsible for preparation of project requests, purchasing supplies, submitting claims for payment, maintaining records, monthly cost accounting, and submitting reports as assigned for specific projects. This employee provides daily oversight, leadership and direction to two NRT1's, temporary employees, and volunteers to complete development and maintenance projects on public and private land within the Missouri River Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).
• This employee is required to inform employees of all safety regulations and standards as set by the DNR and OSHA, and to inform employees of safe work practices and provide safety equipment for all jobs.
• The NRT2 is expected to be knowledgeable of DNR policy and work procedures so that WMU personnel are kept in compliance with these rules.
• The NRT2 is responsible for preparing daily and weekly work plans and posting work plans so that WMU employees are well informed of projects and expected accomplishments.
• This employee assists the WMU Biologist in the planning of habitat development on public areas, including requirements for equipment, labor, and materials and supplies to implement the projects. Examples include vegetative plantings, vegetative manipulation by mowing, burning, or chemical application, tree and shrub planting, facility development, and wetland development and enhancement. This employee plans maintenance and operation projects to maintain capital facilities, including: buildings, equipment, signs, parking lots, roads, bridges and culverts, boat ramps, fences, dikes, and water control structures.
• Projects may be completed by contracting with private vendors requiring the NRT2 to meet with contractors, let bids, and inspect work following Department contracting and purchasing procedures.
• The NRT2 develops and administers cooperative habitat leases. Work includes advertising leases to area farmers, negotiating terms, amending the leases as necessary, insuring payments are submitted, and maintaining accurate records. Compliance with NRCS conservation standards and FSA farm programs must be maintained.
• This employee will inspect areas to insure that noxious weeds are controlled and work with County Weed Commissioners to plan control efforts where adjoining landowners are affected.
• This employee is expected to obtain a Pesticide Applicator's license and to complete the continuing education required to maintain the license. This employee provides technical assistance to government agencies and private individuals.

Facility Development and Maintenance:

• This employee is responsible for the condition and maintenance of all WMU facilities, including: buildings, signs, parking lots, roads, bridges, culverts, dikes, water control structures, boat ramps, fences, and so forth.
• The NRT2 is further responsible for: informing the WMU Biologist of problems so that repair costs may be included in the annual budget, decisions as to whether to use outside contractual labor or to supervise WMU employees in the construction or repair of facilities, and ensuring that the most cost effective and labor efficient plans are completed.
• The NRT2 will inspect public lands for items that may pose a safety hazard to employees or public users and will take corrective action to resolve the problem.
• This employee investigates legitimate complaints and recommendations made by the public, WMU employees, and the WMU Biologist on needed repairs to facilities.
• The NRT2 evaluates problems on facilities, purchases the necessary materials, and supervises WMU employees or private contractors to ensure the completion of the job.
• On major projects, this employee meets with the Engineering Technician and contractors to write up specifications or proposals which are submitted to the WMU Biologist for initiating project requests.
• This employee works with state and county governments for guidance and concurrence on issues such as sign placement, ditching of WMU roads and the removal of trees to ensure safe vision along roads on WMU areas.

Equipment Maintenance:

• This employee is responsible for the maintenance, routine inspection, and repair of all WMU equipment.
• The NRT2 also provides guidance to other staff stationed at the WMU on proper repair and maintenance of equipment.
• The NRT2 further ensures that: equipment manuals are reviewed and recommendations followed, files are maintained for the hours of operation of all gas powered engine equipment, and records are kept on repairs and operating expenses.
• The NRT2 maintains an inventory of all tools and equipment and maintains storage so that tools are kept in an orderly and clean fashion so that efficient repairs can be made.

Population Management:

• The NRT2 oversees the trapping and banding of wood ducks, Canada geese, mourning doves, and other animals as part of ongoing population monitoring efforts and research projects.
• This employee will conduct annual deer counts, roadside game bird surveys, weekly waterfowl counts during the fall migration, mid-winter waterfowl counts, and other surveys of both game and non-game species and their habitats as requested to fulfill the mission of the Wildlife Bureau.
• Utilize a weapon in performance of duties in compliance with the State of Iowa's Violence-Free Workplace Policy and related waivers, including taking all requisite training and conforming to written handling procedures for such weapons.
• Such duties shall include: dispatching injured or wounded animals when a law enforcement officer is not readily available; dispatching feral or dangerous animals when a law enforcement officer is not readily available or assigned to the detail; conducting demonstrations utilizing the weapon; collecting samples; conducting research on diseased animals and/or plants; clearing brush to access remote areas.

Informational and Educational Programs to the Public:

• The NRT2 positions stationed at each of the WMU's serve as the local contact for public users. As such, knowledge of DNR rules and regulations is required.
• This employee will also make presentations to local schools, service clubs, and sportsmen groups upon requested and as time permits.
• Interviews with the media will be completed as topics demand; including newspaper, radio and television.
• The NRT2 provides information to other WMU's and to other DNR bureaus on WMU projects.
• This employee will also attend professional meetings, seminars, and training sessions to stay up-to-date on current wildlife management issues and techniques.
• The NRT2 provides responses to inquiries from the public regarding management of public lands. All inquiries are handled in a professional and polite manner.

Essential Functions:

1. Function within a small field work team to accomplish needed land management activities.
2. Perform strenuous work and work under inclement conditions at times.
3. Knowledge of wildlife management techniques and the ability to perform techniques used to conduct basic wildlife management projects.
4. Work outside under any type of weather conditions and to withstand physically demanding work.
5. Knowledge of basic state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to wildlife resources.
6. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
7. Must display a high standard of ethical conduct.

Qualifications

Critical Job Competencies:

• Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management, Technical Skills (wildlife management).
• 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• The equivalent of three years of full time experience involving facilities maintenance in plumbing, electrical, and/or heating and cooling, or technical work in a 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 each year of the required experience;

OR

• employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience as a Natural Resources Technician 1 shall be considered as qualified.

Compensation

• The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees will be at the base of the pay range.
• This position offers a competitive salary schedule and benefit package.

Note: For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer.