Wildlife monitoring technicians (2 Bird Specialists & 3 Generalists) are needed to help with Iowa’s Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring (MSIM) program at Lake Red Rock to examine wildlife response to the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) at Lake Red Rock. Applicants will work as part of a research and monitoring team to collect information on birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and mussels on public lands throughout Lake Red Rock basin. Field work for all positions will be conducted throughout Lake Red Rock bluffs and delta with significant travel by mud boat.

Specific job duties include (but are not limited to) identifying, handling, and marking small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, bird point count surveys using visual and auditory cues, maintaining a variety of traps for small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, conducting surveys for and handling butterflies and odonates, identifying and measuring plant species, data entry, and assisting with other tasks as needed. 

Positions are temporary, full-time (maximum of 40 hours/week) starting March 24th and ending October 15th, 2024, with potential for a few summer only (May-Aug) positions. Salary is $14-18/hr dependent upon qualifications and experience. No overtime will be provided. Vehicles will be provided for work-related travel. Field housing available.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants should be graduated from, currently enrolled in, or on break between semesters of college with a degree in (or pursuing a degree in) wildlife ecology, biology, or a closely related natural resource field 
• Applicants must have the physical ability to work long hours outdoors, walk long distances, carry field equipment in rough terrain, and wade through water and mud 
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team 
• Must be able to work during diverse weather conditions and on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required
• Must have a strong work ethic and attention to detail
• If needed, must be able to travel overnight for work-related duties
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass an Iowa motor vehicle check to be able to drive a state vehicle 

Preferred qualifications:

• Possess a B.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology or a related field
• Experience with at least one taxonomic group (mammals, birds, herptiles, fish, mussels, odonates, butterflies, or plants)
• Previous experience trailering and/or operating small fishing boats