Employment

Do you care about the environment and want to make a difference in the world? Do you like to work in an action-oriented, exciting, diverse, high-energy and challenging workplace? If you are a team player, highly productive, accountable with an eye for customer service, then the DNR is the right place for you.

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Search online for Iowa DNR job opportunities!

Strengthen existing skills and build new ones working alongside conservation and/or law enforcement professionals in one or more of Iowa’s most beautiful natural areas. Iowa State Park Seasonal Workers perform a variety of hands-on duties related to park management, natural resource management, visitor engagement, and some select locations, patrolling. Successful candidates may be required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings, but exact schedules will vary by location. Most positions require being outdoors in all types of weather.

Full information: Job Title: Iowa State Park Seasonal Worker

Full information: Job Title: Seasonal Patrol Officer at Off-Highway Vehicle Parks

Full information: Job Title: Iowa State Park Seasonal Patrol Officer

The Iowa DNR is seeking a passionate and skilled Lake Restoration Specialist to join our Lake Restoration Program (LRP) and help us fulfill our mission of enhancing Iowa’s natural resources while working with communities and partners to improve water quality. Established in 2006, the LRP improves water quality, habitat, watershed protection, infrastructure, and recreational opportunities at Iowa’s publicly owned lakes. By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, private landowners, and natural resource professionals, the DNR ensures restoration projects are successful and sustainable. Strong local commitment to protect lakes and watersheds is central to the program’s mission.

Closing Date: February 10, 2025 11:59 PM

Position: Environmental Specialist Senior (Lake Restoration Specialist) - Land, Waters, Engineering Bureau

We currently have a Natural Resources Technician 1 (NRT 1) position that is an integral part of our Fish Culture Research Team. This position contributes to the Iowa DNR’s mission by assisting with applied research that will make Iowa DNR fish hatcheries more efficient, productive, and provide future direction. Increasing productivity at state hatcheries results in more high-quality fish for stocking into public bodies of water for the anglers of Iowa. The primary job duties of the successful candidate are fish culture; buildings, grounds, and equipment maintenance; and data collection and entry.

The successful candidate will gain experience with single pass and recirculating aquaculture systems as well as pond culture. Species currently being researched are Walleyes and Muskellunge.

Closing Date: January 24, 2025 11:59 PM

Position: Fish Culture Research Technician (Natural Resources Technician 1) – Fisheries Bureau

The Prairie Resource Unit Manager leads the Prairie Resource Unit in achieving the production, harvest, and distribution of native prairie plant seed to support prairie enhancement and establishment goals on public lands managed by the Wildlife Bureau. This role involves a combination of technical guidance, habitat management, administration, operations, and public engagement.

Closing Date: January 24, 2025 11:59 PM

Position: Natural Resources Biologist (Prairie Resources Unit Biologist) - Wildlife Bureau

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Regional Fish Management Supervisor to lead fish management programs across 31 counties in Northwest Iowa. This key leadership position oversees fisheries operations, habitat improvements, public engagement efforts, and statewide programs with an eye toward protecting Iowa’s aquatic resources and enhancing recreational fishing opportunities. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Iowa’s fisheries, collaborate with local and national partners, and lead a dedicated team of professionals. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and a passion for conservation to Iowa’s natural lakes region.

Closing Date: January 21, 2025 11:59 PM

Position: Public Service Manager 1 (Northwest Fish Management Regional Supervisor) - Fisheries Bureau

The DNR is a diverse organization with 75 different job classifications.

The number following each job title represents the total number of full-time positions in that classification:

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.

Vision:
Leading Iowans in caring for our natural resources.

Hiring Motto:
Hire the right person for the right job at the right time!

DNR recognizes and strives to capitalize on the fact that employees are our most valuable resource. DNR seeks to recruit, hire, train, develop and retain the very best employees.

Guiding Principles:
Customer Focus, Long-Term Thinking, Results/Outcome Orientation, Data-Based Decisions, Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Empowerment, Valuing Employees, Mutual Respect, Collaboration, and Integrity

Core Competencies:
Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Customer Focus, and Technical Skills.

Application Preferences:
DNR highly encourages interested applicants to upload a resume and cover letter when applying for all DNR positions through the DAS NEOGOV application system.