Natural Resources Aide—Environmental Monitoring Field Technician
Position: Environmental Monitoring Field Technician with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to assist with water quality and biological sampling. Position will be based in Des Moines, IA, with travel statewide. Start date is somewhat flexible, but is expected to begin in early April and continue through early October.
Job Description: The principle duty of this position will be to assist IDNR staff with field monitoring activities, including lake water quality sampling, sand coring and lake bed sampling, maintenance of continuous monitoring equipment, urban storm water sampling, stream habitat surveys, and fish surveys (electro shocking). Other duties will include sample bottle and equipment preparation, data compilation and analysis, GIS data processing. Position is 40 hours per week, but field days may extend beyond 8 hours per day and work schedule may fluctuate beyond 40 hours per week throughout the season. Final schedule would be coordinated upon selection and may involve extensive travel and long hours in the field. Work schedule may periodically involve staying in motels on overnight trips. Lodging costs and meal expenses for overnight stays while traveling for work will be reimbursed by the DNR. The position pays $12/hr.
Qualifications: Coursework in Limnology, biology, fisheries, environmental sciences, or related field is recommended. This position requires the ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical labor, outdoors, in any type of weather and/or in rugged terrain. Candidate must have the ability to operate a motor vehicle with a trailer, an outboard motor boat, the ability to follow all rules, policies and procedures of the department. Position requires regular attendance, ability to work evenings and weekends when scheduled, or when called upon to do so. Position may require overnight travel when necessary to accomplish the objectives of the research team. The position requires ability to use PC based software at a moderate level (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, Arc Map and various Internet-based programs).
Deadline for application: February 19th, 2016.
If interested, please mail, email, or fax resume to:
Jason Palmer
Natural Resources Biologist
Watershed Improvement Section
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 725-8384
Fax: (515) 725 8202
Jason.palmer@dnr.iowa.gov
