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Biologist Contractor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

micro1 AI

AI Trainer - Microbiology Expert

Des Moines, IA · Remote

$70 - $90/hr

Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging Microbiologists to contribute their scientific ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. * Extensive ...

micro1 AI

AI Trainer - Microbiology Expert

Davenport, IA · Remote

$70 - $90/hr

Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging Microbiologists to contribute their scientific ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. * Extensive ...

WM

Gas Operations Supervisor

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Manage/supervise contractor activities * Provide project management support to the AGOM for GCCS ... Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology, or Chemistry (or related ...

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All JobsBiologist Contractor JobsBiologist Contractor Jobs in Iowa

Biologist Contractor information

What is a biologist contractor?

Biologist Contractors are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to apply their expertise in biology to research, analysis, or fieldwork for organizations, such as government agencies, private companies, or environmental consultancies. Unlike full-time employees, they typically work on specific projects or assignments, which may involve conducting environmental assessments, collecting and analyzing biological data, or providing expert advice. Their work helps organizations comply with regulations, conserve natural resources, or advance scientific knowledge. Biologist Contractors often bring specialized skills and flexibility to a variety of short-term or ongoing projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biologist contractor?

To thrive as a Biologist Contractor, you need a solid background in biological sciences, research methodologies, and often a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Biology or related fields. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software like R or Python, and sometimes certifications in safety or fieldwork protocols are typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help you work effectively in dynamic project environments and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering accurate research results, meeting project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with scientific and safety standards.

What are some typical challenges a biologist contractor might face when working on short-term projects?

As a Biologist Contractor, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams and project scopes, managing shifting priorities, and familiarizing yourself with unfamiliar protocols or field sites on tight timelines. Since contract roles often involve project-based work, you’ll need to be proactive in communicating with supervisors and colleagues to ensure project goals are met efficiently. Building rapport with permanent staff and integrating effectively into diverse teams can also be a key part of succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Biologist Contractor vs Environmental Scientist Contractor?

AspectBiologist ContractorEnvironmental Scientist Contractor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Biology or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Environmental Science or related; certifications may include environmental permits
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, conservation, wildlife managementEnvironmental impact assessments, pollution control, sustainability projects

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but Biologist Contractors focus more on biological research and conservation, while Environmental Scientist Contractors emphasize environmental impact and sustainability projects. The choice depends on your specialization and career goals within the ecological and environmental fields.

Are biologists in high demand?

Biologists are in moderate demand, especially in research, environmental consulting, and conservation roles. Employment growth is expected to be steady, with opportunities increasing for those with specialized skills, advanced degrees, or experience in data analysis and laboratory techniques.

What are three careers for a biologist contractor?

A biologist contractor can pursue careers such as environmental consultant, conducting ecological assessments and advising on conservation; research scientist, working on biological studies in labs or field settings; or wildlife biologist, managing and studying animal populations and habitats. These roles often require fieldwork, data analysis, and relevant certifications or degrees in biology or related fields.

Where do biologist contractors make the most money?

Biologist contractors tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong presence of research institutions, government agencies, or biotech industries, such as major metropolitan areas or regions with active environmental or scientific projects. Experience, specialization, and certifications can also influence earning potential, regardless of location.

What are popular job titles related to Biologist Contractor jobs in Iowa?

For Biologist Contractor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biologist Contractor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Biologist Contractor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Biologist Contractor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Biologist Contractor job openings:

Biologist Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biologist Contractor job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 36% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Wildlife Management Specialist

Pheasants Forever

Riverton, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Work Location:
Iowa DNR Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit (Fremont County)
2321 330th Ave, Riverton, IA 51650
Application deadline: September 6, 2026
Salary: $17.00 per hour
Typical Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – 40 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: 2-4 weeks post successful job offer
End Date: One year from start date
JOB DESCRIPTION:  This role is designed to provide foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance and technical skills, wildlife surveys, and landowner relations. The PF Wildlife Management Specialist will work with other wildlife unit personnel and be under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. This position will assist with the promotion and implementation the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) in addition to performing a variety of maintenance and technical tasks at the wildlife management unit. The employee is expected to efficiently display a high level of initiative and commitment towards completing assignments. Overnight travel will occasionally be required on special projects outside of the assigned unit counties. Watch this video to see a day in the role of a Wildlife Management Specialist.
Examples of typical job duties may include:
  • Perform wildlife habitat management activities including: Wetland management, prairie management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
  • Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes.  This duty will require fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities.  Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions.  Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed. 
  • Wildlife Surveys & Monitoring including: Waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, august roadside surveys, chronic wasting disease sampling, etc.  Collecting of biological data occasionally will require early or late in the day work scheduling.
  • Contact targeted landowners enrolled the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and follow-up with landowners interested in enrolling into the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP). Provide technical support, assistance with contracting, and ensuring the planned habitat work has been completed.
  • General area maintenance involving mowing, sign posting, fence building, fence removal, tree/brush control, noxious weed control etc.  These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment; drills, saws, hand tools, chain saws, trimmers, small mowers etc.   
  • Special assignments may require some overnight travel as part of a crew, to accomplish large scale fence removal, fence building or tree removal projects outside of the assigned unit counties.  These assignments will require the ability to work well with others, work out of doors under all types of weather conditions, and to withstand physically demanding work, i.e., lifting, bending and hauling.             
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field. 
  • Passion for conservation and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsible behavior, attention to detail, and the capacity to work with minimal supervision.
  • Display professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with strong initiative, effort, and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.
  • Able to travel on overnight duties and work on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
  • Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
  • Able to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT BENEFITS:
  • Proven pathway to full-time careers — this position has a strong track record of placement into full-time permanent roles with DNR, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation organizations.
  • Build valuable, hands-on technical skills while working alongside experienced DNR professionals.
  • Grow your professional network and form lasting connections across the conservation field.
  • Gain real-world, outdoor experience doing meaningful, on-the-ground conservation work.
  • Experience a unique dual-agency role, with opportunities to engage in trainings, collaboration, and annual staff meetings with both DNR and Pheasants Forever.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE:
Pheasants Forever offers a competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Package information can be found here:  Employee Benefit Summary pdf
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and three references into one Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must possess or be able to acquire a pesticide applicator’s license and S130-190 basic firefighter training certification, special requirements shall be met within 90 days of hire if not currently possessed. Successful applicant will also be encouraged to obtain a commercial driver’s license, Iowa DNR chainsaw safety certification, and first aid & bloodborne pathogen training.
If you have additional questions, please contact Brian Hickman, SW District Supervisor, at 712-250-0518, or brian.hickman@dnr.iowa.gov.
 
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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