Fisheries Supervisor - Statewide Programs

Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible schedules and hybrid telework

IPERS retirement benefits

Onsite fitness facilities

Paid holidays

Job summary

Iowa Department of Natural Resources seeks a Fisheries Supervisor - Statewide Programs to lead three statewide initiatives: Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Aquatic Vegetation Management. The role oversees scientific research, staff supervision, and budget coordination to protect Iowa’s aquatic resources.

The position partners with universities and the public, helps set statewide priorities, and guides strategic planning and program efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree and four years of relevant experience or eight years of related work.
• Alternative pathways include combinations of education and experience per state criteria.
• Desirable skills include leadership, collaboration, and ability to manage statewide programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct statewide Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and partnerships with universities.
• Lead budget development and grant administration for major programs.
• Coordinate outreach and communication with stakeholders and the public.

Skills

Leadership

Fisheries science

Aquatic ecology

Strategic planning

Budget management

Grant management

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Program management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Fisheries Supervisor - Statewide Programs

Employer: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Location: Des Moines, Iowa (Polk County)
Position Type: Full-Time
Annual Salary: $70,075.20 – $124,883.20
Job Number: 27-01073
Application Deadline: October 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time

Position Overview

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Fisheries Supervisor - Statewide Programs.

This position provides leadership and oversight for three critical statewide initiatives: Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), and Aquatic Vegetation Management.

The successful candidate will play a key role in protecting and enhancing Iowa's aquatic resources, including nearly 100,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 300,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

As a member of the Fisheries Bureau Management Team, the Fisheries Supervisor will oversee scientific research, supervise professional staff, manage operational budgets, coordinate with university researchers, and support long-term conservation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Direct statewide Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs.
• Supervise 18 permanent biological staff members, including biologists, technicians, and a biometrician, as well as seasonal and temporary employees.
• Oversee employee performance evaluations, staff development, personnel actions, and workforce planning.
• Promote collaboration, scientific innovation, and operational efficiency across programs.

Fisheries Research and Resource Management

• Direct research activities and experimental designs for six fisheries research teams.
• Oversee statewide fisheries data collection, scientific analysis, and database management.
• Collaborate with university researchers and DNR personnel to address fisheries management, aquatic habitat, and water quality challenges.
• Evaluate fisheries management practices and recommend scientifically supported improvements.
• Oversee aquatic invasive species prevention, early detection, response, and public education initiatives.
• Guide aquatic vegetation management strategies that support ecosystem health and recreational fishing opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Bureau Operations

• Serve on the Fisheries Bureau Management Team to help develop statewide policies, priorities, and operational strategies.
• Evaluate regional fisheries management and hatchery operations for scientific effectiveness and alignment with long-term goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve program procedures, reporting, and resource allocation.

Budget and Grant Administration

• Develop and administer an annual operational budget of approximately $2.5 million.
• Manage professional services contracts and coordinate research partnerships with universities.
• Assist with securing additional research funding.
• Oversee federal grant administration and reporting associated with Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) programs.

Communications and Public Engagement

• Collaborate with the DNR Communications, Outreach and Marketing Bureau.
• Support statewide Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) initiatives through scientific data analysis.
• Communicate research findings, conservation priorities, and management recommendations to stakeholders and the public.
• Modernize reporting practices and improve access to fisheries information through digital platforms.
• Coordinate outreach efforts and public engagement opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following qualification pathways:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and four years of full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
2. Eight years of full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
3. Four years of relevant full-time work experience plus a combination of education and relevant experience totaling four additional years, using the state's approved equivalency criteria.
4. Two years of relevant full-time work experience, a qualifying four-year combination of education and experience, and an additional qualifying two-year combination of graduate education and experience.
5. Current, continuous experience in Iowa's executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable qualifying management-level position.

Additional Selective Requirement

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following:

• Fisheries Biology: Six months of experience, 12 semester hours of coursework, or an equivalent combination.
• Natural Resources: Six months of experience, 12 semester hours of coursework, or an equivalent combination in qualifying fields such as ecology, biological sciences, environmental planning, wildlife management, forestry, soil conservation, or related natural resource disciplines.

Applicants must satisfy both the minimum qualification requirements and the applicable selective requirement to be eligible for consideration.

Desired Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and personnel management abilities.
• Expertise in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, and scientific research methods.
• Experience with strategic planning, budget administration, and grant management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Experience collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple statewide programs and establish clear organizational priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

The Iowa DNR offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Annual salary of $70,075.20 – $124,883.20.
• Health insurance, with coverage beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Vacation and sick leave accrual beginning on the first day of employment.
• Nine paid holidays annually.
• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) retirement benefits.
• Optional deferred compensation plans.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee discount programs.
• Flexible schedules and potential hybrid telework, subject to supervisory approval.
• Access to onsite fitness facilities.

The state's benefits package is estimated to represent approximately 30% of total compensation.

New State of Iowa executive branch employees are generally expected to begin at the