Prairie Resources Tech 2

Full 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 Prairie Resource Technician 2 assists with the implementation and operation of the Prairie Seed Harvest and Restoration Program.

This position supports large-scale native prairie seed harvesting, processing, restoration seeding, and habitat management activities.

The technician works closely with wildlife biologists and other staff to restore native prairie ecosystems, maintain facilities and equipment, conduct wildlife surveys, and assist with public outreach related to prairie conservation.

This position requires operating specialized equipment, coordinating labor crews, implementing prescribed fire and herbicide treatments, and maintaining detailed project records in accordance with department policies.

This position involves extensive outdoor work in variable weather conditions and rugged terrain.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Native Prairie Seed Harvest and Restoration Program

Assist with implementation of the Native Prairie Seed Harvest and Restoration Program by harvesting 600 or more acres of mixed prairie seed using a combine and seed stripper head.

Support comprehensive seed harvesting operations including coordinating Department of Corrections (DOC) inmate labor for hand harvesting activities at selected state preserves and wildlife areas.

Assist with prairie forb production operations in partnership with DOC facilities. Responsibilities include drying, cleaning, bagging, testing, and maintaining quality control of harvested seed. Coordinate and oversee distribution of collected seed for restoration projects.

Participate in prescribed burning operations to promote seed germination and maintain prairie health. Assist with native prairie restoration seedings to meet ecotype seeding goals established by the Wildlife Bureau and supervising biologist.

Operate motor vehicles on public roads and use tools and equipment such as chainsaws, herbicide applicators, and prescribed fire equipment. Maintain required certifications and complete all necessary safety and operational training.

Complete required reports and maintain records to comply with department policy.

Responsibilities include preparing daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports such as MEGA inventory reports, cost accounting records, vehicle reports, claim vouchers, purchase orders, work accomplishment reports, time sheets, and injury reports.

Facility Development and Maintenance (15%)

Maintain facilities assigned to the Prairie Seed Harvesting Team including buildings, greenhouses, signs, parking lots, and other infrastructure. Identify maintenance needs and inform the supervising wildlife biologist to assist with annual budget planning.

Assist in determining whether projects should be completed through contract services or through internal staff labor. Carry out maintenance and construction tasks to ensure facilities remain safe, functional, and presentable.

Operate heavy equipment and transport equipment to various work locations. Supervise contractors as assigned and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

Equipment Maintenance (15%)

Maintain and repair equipment used in prairie harvesting and restoration operations. Plan and implement maintenance schedules to ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.

Conduct routine inspections of equipment and provide guidance to staff performing maintenance or repairs. Maintain records documenting hours of operation, repairs, and operating expenses for all gas-powered equipment.

Maintain organized storage areas for tools and equipment and keep accurate inventory records.

Wildlife Population Monitoring (5%)

Assist with wildlife monitoring activities including surveys such as August roadside surveys, waterfowl counts, prairie chicken lek surveys, nest monitoring, eagle surveys, and waterfowl banding operations.

Assist Wildlife Bureau staff and Ecological Services Bureau botanists with identifying and inventorying potential prairie seed harvesting sites and evaluating wildlife management areas.

Utilize firearms, when necessary, in compliance with State of Iowa Violence-Free Workplace Policy and related waivers. Duties may include dispatching injured wildlife, managing dangerous animals, conducting demonstrations, collecting biological samples, and accessing remote areas.

Public Outreach and Education (5%)

Assist the Wildlife Biologist in providing technical assistance to landowners, conservation groups, agencies, and other partners on prairie restoration and wildlife habitat development.

Support educational and outreach efforts related to the Prairie Seed Harvest and Restoration Program. Assist in preparing and delivering informational programs, including presentations and public outreach materials that promote prairie restoration efforts and partnerships.

Work independently or collaboratively to foster partnerships, support funding opportunities, and strengthen public relations associated with prairie restoration initiatives.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Experience with prairie restoration, seed harvesting, or native plant management.
• Experience operating combines, tractors, and other agricultural equipment.
• Experience with prescribed fire operations.
• Knowledge of native prairie ecosystems and restoration techniques.

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) Conduct wildlife management projects using current wildlife management techniques.

4) Apply knowledge of basic state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to wildlife resources.

Special requirements (if applicable):

Must have, or be able to obtain, the following certifications and licensure:

• S-130/S-190 Firefighter Training Qualification
• S-212 Chainsaw Safety Training Qualification
• Pesticide applicator certifications
• Driver's License (operate a motor vehicle)
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability/Ethical Conduct, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal

Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management, Technical Skills (wildlife management), Conflict Management and Collaboration.

What You Get From Us:

• 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 $64/month for single and $210/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.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)

• The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS websitefor more information.

• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).

Comments

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected tobe 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 the DAS website for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify and Right to WorkThe State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Iowa DNR 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.

Requirements

901 Wildlife Biology
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.

Qualifications

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;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;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.

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

Additional Information

Certain designated positions require the employee to be certified by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.