Wildlife Habitat & Survey Technician

pheasantsforever; Panora (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Pheasants Forever is seeking a Wildlife Management Specialist at the Iowa DNR Saylorville Wildlife Unit. The role provides foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance, and wildlife surveys, working with field staff under the Natural Resource Biologist.

Expect occasional overnight travel and a one-year engagement with an opportunity for extension based on performance. Primary duties include habitat work (wetland and prairie management, seeding, mowing), prescribed fire activities,

Qualifications

• Degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field.
• Passion for conservation and outdoor fieldwork.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsible behavior, attention to detail, and the capacity to work with minimal supervision.
• Display professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with strong initiative, effort, and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Perform wildlife habitat management activities including wetlands and prairie management, native seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree removal, spraying, disking, mowing, and operating large farm machinery and hand tools.
• Implement prescribed fire, including fire-line construction and mop-up, under potentially stressful conditions.
• Conduct wildlife surveys and monitoring such as waterfowl banding and deer routes, with occasional early/late scheduling.
• Maintain the general area with mowing, signage, fence work, weed control, and use of power tools and hand tools.
• Complete special projects that may require overnight travel and teamwork in challenging outdoor environments.

Skills

Independent work

Team player

Attention to detail

Professionalism

Initiative

Education

Bachelor-level degree in wildlife biology/animal ecology

Tools

Chainsaw safety certification

Pesticide applicator license

First aid & bloodborne pathogen training

Job description

Pheasants Forever is seeking a Wildlife Management Specialist at the Iowa DNR Saylorville Wildlife Unit. The role provides foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance, and wildlife surveys, working with field staff under the Natural Resource Biologist.

Expect occasional overnight travel and a one-year engagement with an opportunity for extension based on performance. Primary duties include habitat work (wetland and prairie management, seeding, mowing), prescribed fire activities,