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!

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.

Housing not available.