[Jan 11] Wildlife Research Technician, Full-time Temporary

Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Boone (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Wildlife Research Technician at the Boone Wildlife Research Station to support data management, field surveys and outreach during a May–September 2027 window. This full-time temporary position offers hands-on experience with grassland reptiles, birds, insects and other wildlife while working up to 40 hours per week and maintaining equipment.

Some fieldwork requires outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Degree in wildlife ecology/biology or related field (or degree in progress).

Responsibilities

• Coverboard surveys for grassland reptiles.
• Assist with Henslow’s Sparrow tagging efforts.
• Assist with bat surveillance project (no handling of bats).
• Data entry for multiple surveys managed by the Wildlife Diversity Program.
• Conduct owl and nightjar surveys at night.
• Conduct various field surveys for imperiled insects including bumble bees, Monarch butterflies, Regal Fritillary butterflies and fireflies.
• Scanning data sheets from Iowa’s Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring program.
• Writing newsletter articles about wildlife diversity topics; editing and writing content for Wildlife Diversity webpages.
• Possible field-based data collection with birds, bats, snakes and other taxa.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Wildlife ecology knowledge

Data entry

Outdoors work in all weather

Communication skills

Education

Degree in wildlife biology

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wildlife Research Technician, Full-time Temporary

The Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program is seeking a full-time temporary research technician to assist with data management, data collection, education and outreach and equipment maintenance. We work statewide on many different and fascinating species of wildlife so there will be many opportunities for experience!

Job Title: Wildlife Research Technician, Full-time Temporary

Department: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (542)

Location: Boone Wildlife Research Station, 1436 255th St., Boone, IA 50036

Hourly Rate: $15.25/hour

Start Date: May 2027

End Date: September 2027

Maximum Hours: 40 hours/week (Total maximum of 779 hours)

Core Duties

• Coverboard surveys for grassland reptiles.
• Assisting with Henslow’s Sparrow tagging efforts.
• Assisting with bat surveillance project (no handling of bats).
• Data entry for multiple surveys managed by the Wildlife Diversity Program.
• Conducting owl and nightjar surveys at night.
• Conducting various field surveys for imperiled insects including bumble bees, Monarch butterflies, Regal Fritillary butterflies and fireflies.
• Scanning data sheets from Iowa’s Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring program.
• Writing newsletter articles about wildlife diversity topics. Editing and writing content for Wildlife Diversity webpages. Updating other educational materials.
• Possible field-based data collection with birds, bats, snakes and other taxa.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Degree in wildlife ecology/biology or related field (or degree in progress).

Preferred Qualifications

• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology (particularly wildlife classified as “non-game”) and scientific data collection techniques.
• Able and willing to work long hours in the outdoors in all weather conditions during both day and night.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including overnight travel, weekends, and some early mornings and late nights.
• Good communication skills, especially writing and the ability to converse with the public about wildlife.
• Knowledge of wildlife that inhabit Iowa or the upper Midwest.
• Experience with accurately recording and entering data.
• Familiarity with computers, particularly Microsoft Office Programs. ArcGIS experience a plus.
• Experience identifying birds by sight and sound a plus but not required.
• Experience identifying reptiles a plus but not required.Experience with insect capture and identification a plus but not required.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

Willing to allow part-time work around school schedule until end of spring semester, current local students are encouraged to apply.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is an EEO/AA EMPLOYER.