
IA Wildlife Management Specialist
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Overview
Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Senior-level
Remote
On-site
Compensation
$17+/hour
Benefits
Paid Vacation
Job Description
Wildlife Management SpecialistWork Location:Iowa DNR Black Hawk Wildlife Unit (Sac County)2392 230th Street, Early, Iowa 50535Application deadline: March 2, 2026Salary: $17.00 per hourTypical Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – 40 hours per weekAnticipated Start Date:2-4 weeks post successful job offerEnd Date: One year from start dateJOB DESCRIPTION: This position is part of a partnership between Pheasants Forever (PF) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The PF Wildlife Management Specialist is expected to assist the public with wildlife concerns and crop evaluations for wildlife damage in addition to performing a variety of maintenance and technical tasks at the wildlife management unit. The employee is expected to efficiently display a high level of initiative and commitment towards completing assignments. The employee in this position will work with other wildlife unit personnel and be under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. The job duties of this position include general wildlife management activities on state-owned wildlife areas within the assigned unit counties. Overnight travel will occasionally be required on special projects outside of the assigned unit counties. Click here to view a video of what typical job duties may include.Examples of typical job duties may include:
- Perform general wildlife management activities including: Wetland management, prairie management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
- Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes. This duty will require fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities. Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions. Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed.
- Wildlife Depredation Program: Evaluate crops and work with producers on reducing crop damage through technical advice, habitat recommendations, and implementation of the depredation program. Get training on a number of wildlife damage mitigation techniques and present them to landowners and producers. Respond to inquiries on a variety of wildlife topics.
- Wildlife Surveys & Monitoring including: Waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, august roadside surveys, spring bird point counts, fall quail covey counts, chronic wasting disease sampling, etc. Collecting of biological data occasionally will require early or late in the day work scheduling
- General area maintenance involving mowing, sign posting, fence building, fence removal, tree/brush control, noxious weed control etc. These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment; drills, saws, hand tools, chain saws, trimmers, small mowers etc.
- Special assignments may require some overnight travel as part of a crew, to accomplish large scale fence removal, fence building or tree removal projects outside of the assigned unit counties. These assignments will require the ability to work well with others, work out of doors under all types of weather conditions, and to withstand physically demanding work, i.e., lifting, bending and hauling.
- College graduate with a degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Able to travel on overnight duties.
- Work with minimal supervision; demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
- Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
- Able to work alone or as part of a team, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
- Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
- Exhibit honesty and integrity.
- Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.
- Work alongside permanent Iowa DNR staff to develop technical skills.
- Work outdoors.
- Unique work experience combining habitat management and human dimensions work within the wildlife field.
- Great opportunity to expand your professional network and make lasting connections.
- High rate of recruitment from PF Wildlife Specialist positions to permanent positions within Iowa DNR, PF and other conservation entities.
- Get a preview of employment within two organizations simultaneously, with opportunities to attend annual staff meetings for both DNR and Pheasants Forever.
- Pheasants Forever offers a competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Package information can be found here:Employee Benefit Summary pdf
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FAQs About IA Wildlife Management Specialist Jobs at Pheasants Forever
What is the work location for this position at Pheasants Forever?
This job at Pheasants Forever is located in Early, IA, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Pheasants Forever?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $17 (per hour).
What employment applies to this position at Pheasants Forever?
Pheasants Forever lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Pheasants Forever?
Pheasants Forever is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
What is the process to apply for this position at Pheasants Forever?
You can apply for this role at Pheasants Forever either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.