Fisheries Program Manager

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites applications for the Fisheries Program Manager role. You will be the principal decision-maker for multi-million-dollar capital improvement and federal grant programs, driving proactive infrastructure planning to improve water quality and habitat access across the state.

Responsibilities include directing capital projects, assessing infrastructure needs, and coordinating with SHPO for compliance.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Fisheries Bureau’s capital improvement program and plan long-term infrastructure upgrades (e.g., boat ramps, restrooms, fish habitats).
• Evaluate aging fisheries infrastructure and prioritize life-safety and operations-driven upgrades at hatcheries and regional stations.
• Identify and secure Section 106 clearances and coordinate SHPO involvement for construction projects.

Job description

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

At the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we believe that conserving and enhancing our state's natural spaces is a collaborative effort. Our team works hand-in-hand within the communities we serve, united by a shared passion for improving Iowa's quality of life and ensuring a vibrant outdoor legacy for future generations. When you join us, you become part of a close-knit, highly dedicated environment where your daily contributions have a visible, lasting impact on the natural world around us.

As the Fisheries Program Manager, you will be at the forefront of this mission, serving as the principal decision-maker for our multi-million-dollar capital improvement and federal grant programs. By steering our infrastructure planning away from reactive repairs and toward proactive, long-term development, you will directly enhance water quality, expand inclusive boater and angler access, and secure vital fish habitats across Iowa.

Primary Job Duties

Strategic Capital Improvement & Facility Planning

• Direct the Fisheries Bureau’s capital improvement program, scoping and executing progressive projects—such as boat ramps, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, and fish habitat enhancements—based on biological data and user surveys.
• Evaluate the structural integrity of aging fisheries infrastructure and prioritize facility upgrades at hatcheries and regional management stations based on life-safety and operational necessity.
• Synthesize cultural resource reports and coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to secure mandatory Section 106 environmental clearances before ground disturbance occurs.
• Onboard field staff on the capital project request process and lead on-site consultations to develop long-term, proactive infrastructure plans.

Grant Writing, Revenue Generation & Compliance

• Identify and pursue non-traditional federal programs and private conservation grants by translating complex biological and engineering data into highly competitive funding narratives.
• Administer internal federal grants, including Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), by building itemized budgets and inputting performance records into the federal TRACS system to ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance