Join the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the 2026 summer field season!

We're looking for enthusiastic individuals to gain hands-on experience in habitat management and wildlife monitoring. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with natural resource professionals on meaningful conservation projects that restore and protect native habitats. From restoring prairies and managing wetlands to participating in wildlife surveys and prescribed burns, you’ll play a vital role in preserving wildlife habitat while building valuable field skills in natural resource management!

Job Title: Wildlife Temporary Worker

Department: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (542)

Hourly Rate: $15.25/hour

Start Date: May 2026

End Date: August 2026

Note: Flexible start/end dates will be considered based on applicant availability.

Job Description & Core Duties

Under the direction of DNR staff, the incumbent will perform a variety of technical tasks across a wildlife management unit. A high level of initiative and commitment is expected. Typical duties include:

Habitat Management: Performing wetland management, prairie management, woodland management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, and tree/brush removal. This involves using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and hand tools for spraying, disking, and mowing.

Prescribed Fire: Assisting with prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes, including fire-line construction, holding, and mop-up. This may require working under physically stressful and adverse conditions.

Wildlife Surveys: Participating in activities such as waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, August roadside surveys, spring bird point counts, and chronic wasting disease sampling.

Area Maintenance: General upkeep, including mowing, sign posting, fence work, and noxious weed control using simple power equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduated from, currently enrolled in, or on break between semesters of college (or about to enter college from high school).

Major: Must be in Wildlife Ecology/Biology or a closely related natural resources field.

Age/License: Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Work Requirements: Able to work alone, with teammates, and with the public, in all weather conditions. Must be able to withstand physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, or hauling. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

Available Locations:

• Blackhawk Wildlife Unit Early, IA 50535              
• Grand River Wildlife Unit Kellerton, IA 50133                   
• Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit Riverton, IA 51650    
• Missouri River Wildlife Unit Onawa, IA  51040                 
• Iowa River Wildlife Unit Swisher, IA 52338
• Red Rock Wildlife Unit Monroe, IA 50170            
• Great Lakes Wildlife Unit Spirit Lake, IA 51360                 
• Clear Lake Wildlife Unit Ventura, IA 50482
• Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit Ruthven, IA 51358                   
• Cedar Wapsi – Big Marsh Parkersburg, IA 50665
• Cedar Wapsi – Sweet Marsh Sumner, IA 50674                
• Upper Iowa Wildlife Unit Decorah, IA 52101       
• Odessa Wildlife Unit Wapello, IA 52653
• Rathbun Wildlife Unit Russell, IA 50238
• Sugema Wildlife Unit Keosaqua, IA  52565