Fisheries Supervisor - Statewide Programs

State-of-Iow; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a passionate leader to oversee Statewide Fisheries Programs, including Fisheries Research, AIS, and Aquatic Vegetation Management. You will direct scientific operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with key regulations while driving innovations in aquatic conservation.

As a core member of the Bureau Management Team, you will supervise 18 permanent staff plus seasonal teams, guide PDQ updates, and coordinate cross-agency and university

Responsibilities

• Direct a large, decentralized workforce of 18 permanent biological staff (including a Biometrician, Biologists, and Technicians) alongside a supplemental team of seasonal workers, temporary staff, and administrative interns across the Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs.
• Manage the complete employment lifecycle, administering personnel actions, formal annual performance appraisals, staff performance plans, and complex grievance resolutions at the first step.
• Ensure all personnel practices strictly comply with EEO/AA, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA guidelines.
• Cultivate an innovative, highly productive team environment while rewriting Position Description Questionnaires (PDQs) as needed to reflect the changing competencies and organizational structures of the supervised programs.
• Direct the scientific operations, experimental designs, and field activities for six fisheries research teams, the AIS program, and the Aquatic Vegetation Management program.
• Apply advanced biological principles to evaluate complex ecological data, collaborating with internal DNR staff and university partners to identify and solve major issues impacting Iowa's water quality, habitat, and fisheries.

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.

At the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), our mission is critical: to conserve and enhance our natural resources, improve the quality of life in Iowa, and ensure a legacy for future generations. Our success relies on dedicated professionals who work hand-in-hand within the communities they serve, fostering a collaborative, family-like atmosphere united by a shared goal. We are seeking a passionate, strategic leader to serve as the supervisor for our Statewide Fisheries Programs. In this pivotal role, you will take ownership of protecting and enhancing nearly 100,000 miles of rivers and streams and over 300,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. If you are looking for a career with a rich variety of work, where you can see the direct results of your efforts, make a tangible difference for our customers, and ensure our field staff have the objective data they need to succeed, this is your opportunity to lead at the forefront of Iowa's aquatic conservation.

To achieve these conservation goals, you will direct three specialized, statewide programs: Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), and Aquatic Vegetation Management. You will guide the Fisheries Research Section to evaluate existing practices and innovate new techniques, providing the scientific foundation for smarter, more effective fisheries management. Additionally, you will direct the AIS Program, which proactively protects Iowa’s aquatic ecosystems from ecological and economic threats through comprehensive prevention, early detection, rapid response, and public education. You will also oversee the Aquatic Vegetation Management Program, created to help managers identify and implement effective vegetation treatment and control measures to maintain water quality and provide exceptional fishing opportunities. Serving as a core member of the Bureau Management Team, you will administer a $2.5 million operational budget, oversee critical federal grants, and champion continuous improvement across our statewide initiatives.

Primary Job Duties

Personnel Supervision & Program Leadership

• Direct a large, decentralized workforce of 18 permanent biological staff (including a Biometrician, Biologists, and Technicians) alongside a supplemental team of seasonal workers, temporary staff, and administrative interns across the Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs.
• Manage the complete employment lifecycle, administering personnel actions, formal annual performance appraisals, staff performance plans, and complex grievance resolutions at the first step.
• Ensure all personnel practices strictly comply with EEO/AA, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA guidelines.
• Cultivate an innovative, highly productive team environment while rewriting Position Description Questionnaires (PDQs) as needed to reflect the changing competencies and organizational structures of the supervised programs.

Scientific Research & Ecological Oversight

• Direct the scientific operations, experimental designs, and field activities for six fisheries research teams, the AIS program, and the Aquatic Vegetation Management program.
• Apply advanced biological principles to evaluate complex ecological data, collaborating with internal DNR staff and university partners to identify and solve major issues impacting Iowa's water quality, habitat, and fisheries.
• Oversee