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Conservation Land Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Range Ecologist

Audubon, IA · On-site

$57K/yr

... land management actions. Range Ecologists are responsible for enrolling landowners into these ... Develop Habitat Management Plans for private lands enrolled in conservation programs * Support a ...

Education Specialist

Oxford, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Cultural and historical resources, flora, fauna, and ecosystems, especially those in Iowa and on the land owned by Johnson County and managed by the Conservation BoardNatural resource management ...

Conservation Land Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$31.5K

$99.2K

$172.8K

How much do conservation land manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation land manager in Iowa is $99,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $120,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a conservation land manager do?

A Conservation Land Manager is responsible for overseeing the protection, maintenance, and restoration of natural lands and habitats. They develop and implement land management plans, monitor ecosystems, manage invasive species, and work to enhance biodiversity. These professionals often collaborate with government agencies, conservation organizations, and the public to ensure sustainable land use and long-term preservation of natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation land manager?

To thrive as a Conservation Land Manager, you need expertise in ecology, land management, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with GIS software, land monitoring tools, and regulatory compliance certifications is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These skills are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving long-term conservation goals.

What are some common challenges conservation land managers face when balancing ecological goals with public access needs?

Conservation Land Managers often need to strike a careful balance between protecting sensitive habitats and providing safe, enjoyable access for the public. This can involve managing trail networks to minimize environmental impact, educating visitors on responsible recreation, and coordinating with stakeholders such as local government and community groups. Adapting management plans to address invasive species, climate change, and changing visitor patterns are also common challenges. Collaborative problem-solving and adaptive management strategies are key to success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Conservation Land Manager vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectConservation Land ManagerWildlife Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; certifications like GIS or habitat managementAssociate's or bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, or related field; often requires state-specific wildlife permits
Work EnvironmentFieldwork managing protected lands, collaborating with agencies, overseeing conservation projectsFieldwork monitoring wildlife, collecting data, assisting with habitat surveys
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, land trusts, conservation organizationsWildlife agencies, research institutions, environmental NGOs

While both roles focus on conservation, Conservation Land Managers oversee land use and habitat preservation, whereas Wildlife Technicians primarily assist with wildlife monitoring and data collection. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is land management a good career?

A conservation land manager oversees the preservation and sustainable use of natural areas, often requiring knowledge of ecology, environmental policies, and land management tools. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in environmental protection, with opportunities for fieldwork, collaboration, and certification in related areas. Job stability and growth depend on government and private sector funding and environmental priorities.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Land Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Conservation Land Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Land Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Land Manager jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Conservation Land Manager job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,172 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Land & Wildlife Branch Supervisor

Tama, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the daily operations of the Land & Wildlife Branch staff and programs.

  • Coordinate and monitor outside contractors and vendors for construction, repairs, and projects.

  • Perform skilled heavy machinery operations and assist with land management activities.


Job description

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