Fisheries Management Biologist

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Fisheries Management Biologist for the Lake Macbride Fish Management District. This role involves managing aquatic ecosystems, developing Fisheries Management Plans, conducting surveys, analyzing data, and promoting responsible fishing practices across a ten-county area. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders and includes public relations, educational outreach, and administrative duties. It offers opportunities for professional growth in fisheries management.
About the position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Fisheries Biologist in the Lake Macbride Fish Management District. This position plays a crucial role in overseeing and enhancing fisheries resources across a ten-county area in Southeast Iowa. The primary focus of this role is on managing aquatic ecosystems, protecting and restoring watersheds, and promoting responsible fishing practices. This multifaceted position requires collaboration with political subdivisions, community leaders, NGOs, federal and state agencies, and private citizens to achieve sustainable fisheries management. Key responsibilities include developing and executing a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan for the district, reviewing and approving annual fisheries management plans, and conducting organized surveys of lakes and streams. The successful candidate will analyze and interpret survey data to enhance fisheries and aquatic resources, prepare scientific reports, review stocking requests, and manage fishing tournaments. Additionally, the role involves developing special management studies to evaluate specific fisheries concerns and initiating habitat improvements on lakes in the district. Investigating fish kills and coordinating with environmental services and local conservation officers is also a critical aspect of the job. The Fisheries Biologist will provide guidance on practices to protect and enhance priority watersheds in the Lake Macbride District, coordinating with various agencies to implement watershed management programs, including Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development. The role also includes promoting urban fishing opportunities by developing relationships with managing entities and assisting in organizing promotional events. Public relations and education are vital components of this position, requiring the organization of fishing clinics, outdoor classrooms, and participation in regional sports shows to promote fishing and conservation programs. Administrative responsibilities include ensuring timely payment of claims and bills, maintaining equipment inventory, and managing cost center expenditures. The Fisheries Biologist will also review and approve work activities for Natural Resource Technician II and seasonal employees, attending and coordinating training sessions as needed for professional development. This position offers a pivotal role in enhancing and sustaining aquatic ecosystems and fisheries resources, with opportunities for professional growth through training and development.

Responsibilities
• Develop and execute a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan for the district.
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• Review and approve annual fisheries management plans and conduct organized surveys of lakes and streams.
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• Analyze and interpret survey data to enhance fisheries and aquatic resources.
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• Prepare scientific reports, review stocking requests, and manage fishing tournaments.
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• Develop special management studies to evaluate specific fisheries concerns.
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• Initiate habitat and in-lake improvements on lakes in the district.
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• Investigate fish kills and coordinate with environmental services and local conservation officers.
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• Provide guidance on practices to protect and enhance priority watersheds in the Lake Macbride District.
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• Coordinate with federal, state, county, and city agencies/programs to implement watershed management programs.
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• Assist managing entities in identifying and solving watershed issues that affect fish and fishing.
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• Contribute to restoration project development and implementation schedules.
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• Develop relationships with managing entities to promote urban fishing opportunities.
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• Assist in organizing promotional events by collaborating with government levels, agencies, organized groups, and community leaders.
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• Conduct a comprehensive public relations program through various media channels.
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• Organize fishing clinics, outdoor classrooms, and participate in regional sports shows to promote fishing and conservation programs.
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• Respond to public inquiries and provide technical assistance on aquatic and environmental issues.
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• Ensure timely payment of claims and bills, maintain equipment inventory, and manage cost center expenditures responsibly.
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• Review and approve work activities for Natural Resource Technician II and seasonal employees.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Biology or a related field.
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• 6 months' experience in fisheries biology or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 6 months.
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• Public Pesticide Applicator Certification required within six months of employment.
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• Strong knowledge of fish science and management of aquatic ecosystems.
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• Ability to communicate management activities effectively, both in written and oral forms.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in project management.
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• Knowledge of watershed management practices.
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• Familiarity with urban fishing promotion strategies.

Benefits
• Employee discount programs
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• Flexible schedule
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• Retirement plan
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• Insurance benefits starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment
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• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day
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• Nine paid holidays per year
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• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match
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• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match
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• Professional training opportunities
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• Family friendly and professional work environment