Wetland & Shallow Lake Monitoring Seasonal Opportunity 2016
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed Monitoring and Assessment Section is seeking three summer wetland monitoring assistants. The assistant will work with wetland monitoring biologists to identify, measure, collect, and record various types of biological, chemical and physical data from wetlands and shallow lakes located in Iowa. The objectives of this project are to assess the ecological condition of these systems related to statewide and federal initiatives to understand and improve water quality. Work will be performed primarily from late May to late August, with potentially flexible start / finish dates.
Duties will include the following related activities:
- Work in teams to perform rapid site evaluations of sites in Iowa.
- Assist with field sampling methods and the collection/processing of water, sediment and biological samples.
- Must be able to use, or learn to use, all equipment related to field sampling work including: 4WD trucks, trailers, ATV operation, boats, canoe, multi-parameter sampling probes, fish nets and any other related hand tools.
- Must be able to interpret maps and navigate in a rural landscape.
- Contact landowners to gain permission to access wetlands on private land.
Applicants must have a good understanding of basic wetland/shallow lake ecology, outdoor skills and be physically capable of, and willing to work long hours in the field under all types of weather conditions. Applicants must be able to perform moderate physical work such as carrying sampling equipment while walking through marshy areas, loading/unloading canoes, etc. After initial training, assistants will work in teams to obtain landowner permission and sample wetlands/shallow lakes. Sampling work will require extensive travel and overnight stays throughout Iowa most of the summer. Pay will be $12 per hour. Applicant must be willing to work as a team. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and allow their driving record to be screened upon hiring.
Employees will gain valuable work experience in the following ways: 1) learn methods and techniques related to wetland/shallow lake sampling, 2) gain first-hand knowledge of wetlands/shallow lakes and the issues that face them, 3) gain valuable experience communicating with the public and working in teams, 4) gain a working knowledge of numerous wetland/shallow lake and upland wildlife and plants species, as well as wetland/shallow lake fish and invertebrates, and 5) participation in a national wetland assessment project.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, February 19th, 2016
To apply, please send a resume that includes the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references, and a cover letter with available start and end dates, electronically or by mail to:
Brandon Harland – Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
502 E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
brandon.harland@dnr.iowa.gov
For questions call: (515) 725-8378
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is an EEO/AA EMPLOYER.
