Job Description

Launch your career in wildlife conservation with hands‑on field experience through a partnership with Pheasants Forever (PF) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This position offers recent graduates and emerging natural resource professionals an opportunity to build technical skills, work directly with landowners and wildlife professionals, and gain real‑world experience that has proven to lead to permanent careers in conservation! Work Location Iowa DNR Red Rock Wildlife Unit (Marion County) 656 Carpenter St., Monroe, IA 50170 Compensation & Hours Salary: $17.00 per hour Typical Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – 40 hours per week Start Date: 2–4 weeks post successful job offer End Date: One year from start date Job Description The PF Wildlife Management Specialist will work with other wildlife unit personnel under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. Responsibilities include general wildlife management activities on state and federally owned wildlife areas within the assigned unit counties. The employee is expected to efficiently display a high level of initiative and commitment toward completing assignments. Overnight travel may be required on special projects outside of the assigned unit counties. Typical Job Duties Wildlife habitat management activities including wetland management, prairie management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, and more using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools. Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes, including fire‑line construction, holding, and mop‑up activities. Requires working under physically stressful and adverse conditions and proficiency in basic wildland firefighting equipment. Wildlife surveys and monitoring including waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, August roadside surveys, and chronic wasting disease sampling. May require early or late in the day work. General area maintenance involving mowing, sign posting, fence building/removal, tree/brush control, and noxious weed control. Requires use of simple power equipment such as drills, saws, hand tools, chain saws, trimmers, and small mowers. Special assignments may require overnight travel for large‑scale fence removal, fence building, or tree removal projects outside the assigned unit counties. These require teamwork, weather‑resistant work, and physical fitness. Minimum Qualifications Degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or a closely related natural resource field. Passion for conservation and outdoor field work. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsible behavior, attention to detail, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Display professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with strong initiative and commitment to completing assignments efficiently. Able to travel on overnight duties and work on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required. Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. Able to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co‑workers. Special Requirements Must possess or be able to acquire a pesticide applicator’s license and S130‑190 basic firefighter training certification within 90 days of hire if not currently possessed. Successful applicants will also be encouraged to obtain an Iowa DNR chainsaw safety certification and complete first aid & bloodborne pathogen training. Career Advancement Benefits Proven pathway to full‑time careers—strong track record of placement into full‑time permanent roles with DNR, PF, and other conservation organizations. Build valuable technical skills while working with experienced DNR professionals. Grow a professional network and form lasting connections across the conservation field. Gain real‑world, outdoor experience doing meaningful, on‑the‑ground conservation work. Experience a unique dual‑agency role, with opportunities for training, collaboration, and annual staff meetings with both DNR and PF. Employee Benefits Package Pheasants Forever offers a competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Summary information can be found on the organization’s website. Equal Opportunity Employer Pheasants Forever, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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