NOTICE OF SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
NATURAL RESOURCE AIDE

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE NATURAL RESOURCES FIELD?

DO YOU LIKE TO WORK OUTDOORS AND ON THE WATER?

DO YOU ENJOY INTERACTING WITH ANGLERS AND OTHER PEOPLE?

DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE A CAREER IN FISHERIES?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau is looking for energetic, motivated, qualified, and interested individuals to fill Temporary Natural Resource Aide positions. These positions are located across the state and offer varied duties and opportunities for learning. Get a start down your career path by gaining valuable experience and networking with professionals in the field of your choice!

The deadline to apply for these positions is Friday, January 18th, 2008. You must have your application completed online by the close of business (4:00 PM) on this date. Applications can be found using the link from the Iowa DNR webpage (www.iowadnr.gov) following the employment link. Procedural instructions will also be found on this link, BUT PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST UPLOAD A COVER LETTER AND RESUME. You must also mail a copy of your transcript (a photocopy is sufficient) to the address below. Interviews will be held February 1st at Iowa State University and February 2nd at the Boone Research Station. You will be notified of your interview status by January 25th, 2008.

Natural Resource Aides in the Fisheries Bureau perform a variety of duties. Depending upon availability, positions may be open in any or all of the following sections:

FISHERIES RESEARCH: Assist a biologist and/or technician in collecting information about special projects dealing with Iowa’s fish populations and waters, which may include conducting creel surveys (angler interviews), collecting and analyzing water quality data, performing fish population evaluations using a variety of gear types including fyke nets, gill nets, and electroshocking equipment, or working in a laboratory environment observing and monitoring experiments. May be required to enter and analyze data using computer software, answer questions and interact with the public, and operate outboard motors using safe boating practices.

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT: Assist a biologist and/or technician with the duties of managing lakes, rivers and streams within a multiple-county district, which includes conducting population surveys using a variety of gear including fyke nets, hoop nets, electroshocking, gill nets, trawls, and seines. Stocking of hatchery fish into desired waters and transporting fish to a final destination may be done throughout the summer. Duties may also include conducting statewide surveys, fishing clinics, creel surveys (angler interviews), and boater interviews regarding aquatic nuisance species and educating the public about the need to prevent the spread of non-native flora and fauna. Travel may be statewide as well as within the confines of the assigned district.

FISH CULTURE: Assist a biologist and/or technicians in the daily care and rearing of a variety of fish species that will be stocked into Iowa’s waters. Duties can include spawning of adult fish, feeding, measuring growth, observing behavior of juvenile fish, daily cleaning of rearing units, and collecting forage for use as fish food. Daily data is collected and entered into spreadsheets that calculate growth and adjust feed amounts. Assist with harvest and distribution of species as requested by fisheries management, answer questions and give tours to the public as needed, and assist with collecting fish for aquarium displays in various locations and the Iowa State Fair.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT vary with each position but are listed on the application. Three month positions typically run from mid-May through mid-August, depending upon college semester dates. Six month and longer positions vary greatly in duration, some starting as early as March and lasting until mid-October or later. Be sure to indicate on your application whether you are available for 3-month only (summer) or longer employment. Most positions allow for flexibility in accommodating start and end dates.

WORKING CONDITIONS include a 40-hour week minimum, with many weekends and travel required. Work periods vary by position and are assigned by the supervisor. Most positions require being outdoors in all types of weather and may require night and evening assignments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS are as follows:
• Must be available for all interviews and training as required
• Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Graduated from or currently enrolled in or on break between semesters of college or having a keen interest in a biological, conservation or environmental science program, or about to enter first semester of college from high school
• Able to work alone, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
• Able to withstand physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, or hauling
• Work with minimal supervision, demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail
• Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers

PAY RATES:
• Hourly wage for persons with less than one year experience will be $9.73 per hour
• Hourly wage for persons with one year or more experience will be $10.70 per hour AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SUPERVISOR

BENEFITS OF THE JOB include an excellent opportunity to learn more about the role of the fisheries professional in protecting and enhancing Iowa’s fisheries resources. These positions are interesting, diverse, challenging, and demanding, but also rewarding! You will find that you have made an impact by making a difference and serving the resources and the people of the state of Iowa. They will also help you define your own role and discover your capabilities in this important field. Serving as a Natural Resource Aide in the Fisheries Bureau is an excellent way to gain experience, establish contacts, and demonstrate your abilities, but it DOES NOT guarantee any future full-time employment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION check the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website at www.iowadnr.gov and follow the links to temporary employment. Please note that you must also upload a cover letter and a resume! Transcript submissions must be either mailed or faxed to the address below. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered! You will be notified of your application and interview status on or before January 25th, 2008. Any additional questions or requests for information should be made to the individual listed below.

Thank you for your interest in Iowa’s Natural Resources!

MAIL OR FAX TRANSCRIPT TO: IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FISHERIES BUREAU APPLICATION
ATTN: DONNA HANEN MUHM
SPIRIT LAKE FISH HATCHERY
SPIRIT LAKE IA 51360
(712) 336-1840
(712) 336-0921 (FAX)

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE THE OTHER NATURAL RASOURCES AIDE POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN OTHER BUREAUS OF THE DNR-DIVISION OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION (www.iowadnr.gov. and link to employment). IF YOU USE THE DAS ON-LINE APPLICATION LINK, REMEMBER: 542-NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE KEY WORD IS NATURAL RESOURCES AIDE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.