Conservation Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE: Land & Wildlife Branch Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Meskwaki Natural Resources
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEFINITION: Under the oversight of the Department Director, the Land & Wildlife Branch Supervisor oversees the daily operations of the staff and programs of the Land & Wildlife Branch of the Department of Natural Resources. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist Director by instructing and training employees, answering questions, and distributing, balancing and checking work; may make suggestions on selection, promotions and reassignments. Identifies daily workplans, materials and equipment resources to meet programmatic needs in the implementation of conservation and wildlife management practices on Tribal lands.
- Contributes to planning of department projects and works with program staff to schedule maintenance, repair, and construction activities; prepares bid documents for construction projects, capital improvements, equipment procurement, or repairs which require outside contractors and vendors; coordinates and monitors work of outside contractors and vendors to ensure the timeliness and quality of the finished project; maintains communication between department staff and outside contractors or consultants during construction projects; reports progress to the Department Director.
- Implements, and reviews rules, policies, methods, and techniques, relating to an assigned environmental program area.
- Performs detailed documentation and reporting for grant compliance. Contributes to grant writing for the purpose of funding environmental programming and initiatives.
- Attend training, meetings, and conferences as appropriate to programming.
- Creates and maintains accurate records of work activities, data and information accumulated for reporting, archival and research requirements.
- Assist with the coordination of activities of the department with Tribal operations departments and agencies, and with Federal, State and Local government, and other Indian Tribes.
- Monitors and coordinates inventory maintenance and supply expenditures; organizes the replacement, preventive maintenance, and repair of the equipment, facilities and vehicles, of the Land & Wildlife Branch, according to operator service manuals; coordinates those efforts with program staff, other departments and outside vendors.
- Assists with the Community relations activities of the department; responds to outside inquiries and complaints of the Land & Wildlife Branch and takes appropriate action.
-Perform skilled heavy machinery operations while performing natural resources and land management. Includes skid steers/loaders, tractors, and all associated implements.
- Ability to load, tie down and haul equipment, and implements. Trailering skills and backing required.
- Operate power tools, chainsaws, hand tools, implements and machinery in relation to job duties; and in compliance with all safety standards of said tool and equipment; to include no till drill, broadcast seeders and planters.
- Actively participate in the prescribed fire and wildland fire programs as a Certified Wildland Firefighter.
- Assist in management of Tribal bison herd and bison wildlife refuge, to include routine inspections of herd and related facilities, perform maintenance to fencing/handling facility, water supply and all related components of a robust wildlife operation; commit to the promotion of the health and welfare of the herd in all work related to the bison operation. Ensures that bison herd plans and projects are achieved in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the Meskwaki Nation DNR.
-Performs all other related duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's Degree preferred; with major coursework in conservation, natural resources, wildlife or a related natural science, required. Three (3) years of supervisory experience of FTEs, preferably with an emphasis in natural resources management.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience in natural resources management.
- Knowledge of major conservation practices of the Midwest Region, such as prairie, forest and invasive species management.
-Knowledge of general agriculture and livestock practices and management. Experience with large livestock care and operations preferred.
- Knowledge of biological systems and resource management.
- Knowledge of budget administration.
- Ability to interpret charts, tables, graphs, plans, and maps, and to prepare and present administrative reports of findings and analysis, orally or in written form.
- Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty and Tribal government functions and structure preferred.
- Ability to work with Tribes and Federal partner agencies that provide services to the Tribes.
- Knowledge and proficiency in P.C word processing, spreadsheet, internet, email and general functions of software applications.
- Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather of all seasons, and to withstand physically demanding work, such as lifting, bending, repetitive in nature.
- Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A), OR possess the ability to obtain within 3 months of employ, and be insurable according to Tribal government requirements.
- Ability to obtain Wildland Firefighter's certification within 6 months of employ; includes annual requirement to pass pre-certification medical exam and Pack test
- Must be willing to work occasional nights, weekends and holidays as required, and in response to emergencies.
- Willingness to attend overnight travel for training/certification purposes, and to perform land management at tribal lands located near West Bend, IA.
-Display a high level of self-motivation and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently; demonstrates skill in teamwork.
-Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
SUPERVISION:
- Supervised by the Director of the Meskwaki Nation Department of Natural Resources
SALARY:
- Annual salary range: $54,986 - $86,977