Prairie Specialist Temporary Worker

Job description:  

The Iowa DNR is seeking to hire a temporary employee to be stationed at the Prairie Resource Unit. The  primary responsibilities of the Temporary Worker at the Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Center are to assist  the team with the production of over 100 species of local ecotype native grass and wildflower seed for Iowa’s public lands. This seed will be distributed to support prairie reconstruction efforts on public lands  in Iowa. 

The person in this position must possess strong organization and communication skills and be able to  express ideas orally and in writing. The candidate must possess plant identification skills and lead others  in the propagation, maintenance, and harvest of prairie species. Candidate must possess the ability to  operate independently with indirect supervision under general coordination and program guidelines. 

Job duties:  

• Assist in the propagation of prairie species at greenhouse and plot areas.
• Assist with harvest, storage, cleaning and processing of prairie seed.
• Safe operation of unit equipment such as tractor, combine, native grass drill, and seed cleaning  equipment.
• Assist with maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Identification and harvest of specific prairie species from prairie remnants across the state.
• Perform general wildlife management activities including: prairie management, fire-line  construction, native prairie seeding, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large  farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
• Assist in the direction of volunteers, college interns, inmates and other staff in cleaning, planting,  and harvest of prairie plant materials.
• Participate in personal and professional development training activities.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Possessing or pursuing a college degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely  related natural resource field.
• 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.
• 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.
• Exhibits honesty and integrity.
• Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a  polite, courteous and cooperative manner.
• Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments  efficiently.
• Aligns behavior with needs, priorities, and goals of the organization.