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Natural Resource Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Ogden, IA ยท On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Responsible for enforcing Conservation Board rules and natural resource laws, maintaining a safe environment for the public, and protecting public lands. Oversees the daily maintenance and operation ...

In this role, you will lead natural resource evaluations and permitting efforts for numerous project types with the primary projects being transportation related. Responsibilities include ...

In this role, you will lead natural resource evaluations and permitting efforts for numerous project types with the primary projects being transportation related. Responsibilities include ...

In this role, you will lead natural resource evaluations and permitting efforts for numerous project types with the primary projects being transportation related. Responsibilities include ...

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Natural Resource information

See Iowa salary details

$15K

$87.5K

$131K

How much do natural resource jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural resource in Iowa is $87,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Natural Resource vs Environmental Technician?

AspectNatural ResourceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsDegree in environmental science, forestry, or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's in environmental science or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, or natural areasField and laboratory work in environmental testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonNatural ResourceEnvironmental Technician

Natural Resource professionals focus on managing and conserving natural environments, often involving fieldwork and resource management. Environmental Technicians support environmental assessments, testing, and compliance activities. While both roles work in environmental sectors, Natural Resource roles emphasize resource management, whereas Environmental Technicians focus on environmental testing and data collection.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals working in natural resource management roles?

One of the biggest challenges in natural resource management roles is balancing the needs of environmental conservation with economic and community interests. Professionals often need to navigate complex regulatory requirements and engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and industry partners. Additionally, adapting to the impacts of climate change and emerging sustainability concerns requires continuous learning and flexibility. Daily tasks may involve fieldwork, data analysis, and policy development, all of which demand strong problem-solving and communication skills.

What are Natural Resource professionals?

Natural Resource professionals are experts who manage, conserve, and study natural resources such as water, soil, forests, minerals, and wildlife. They work in various settings, including government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit organizations, to ensure that natural resources are used sustainably and responsibly. Their roles may involve conducting research, developing management plans, monitoring ecosystems, and advising on environmental policy. These professionals play a crucial role in balancing human needs with the protection and preservation of the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Natural Resource Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Natural Resource Manager, you need expertise in environmental science, resource management, and ecological principles, typically supported by a relevant degree in natural resources or environmental studies. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help professionals engage stakeholders and manage projects effectively. These skills ensure sustainable management of natural resources, compliance with regulations, and successful collaboration across agencies and communities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Natural Resource jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Natural Resource jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Natural Resource jobs in Iowa? For Natural Resource jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Natural Resource jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Natural Resource job openings:
Infographic showing various Natural Resource job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,545 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Park Ranger

Boone County Iowa

Ogden, IA โ€ข On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description: PARK RANGERPosition Description

Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee Benefits, this position has been classified as FLSA Non-Exempt

Accountable To: Boone County Conservation Board Executive Director, Governed by the Boone County Employee Handbook

Payment: Pay range between $48,000-$55,000 depending on experience.


Position:

Under general supervision of the Director, serves as a peace officer under the provisions of Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. Responsible for enforcing Conservation Board rules and natural resource laws, maintaining a safe environment for the public, and protecting public lands. Oversees the daily maintenance and operation of Swede Point Park, Grantโ€™s Woods, and the High Trestle Trail. Recommends and implements improvements, enhancement in natural resource and recreational management, including timber stand improvement, prairie and tree planting, invasive species control, and prairie burns. Perform routine and special patrol duties, including the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, maintain good public relations, and maintain park facilities and equipment.


Education and Experience:

Bachelorโ€™s degree from an accredited college or university required, with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related natural science field; experience in natural resource or law enforcement work may be substituted for the course work requirement.


Essential Job Functions: These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other skills and duties may be required and assigned.

? Enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue citations and warnings to violators. Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform

? Enforcement of Boone County Conservation Board (BCCB) rules and regulations, state park laws, Iowa traffic laws, Iowa fish and game laws that may apply to public lands

? Knowledge of native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Boone County

? Knowledge of principles and practices of park and natural resource management

? Ensures the cleanliness of properties, parking lots, shelters, and bathrooms.

? Oversees the care and maintenance of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees and wetlands on the facility grounds.

? Manages the High Trestle Trail System in Boone County, including mowing, weed control, tree trimming, sign maintenance, plowing, etc.

? Collect user fees, meet, understand, and assist the general public

? Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and agencies, and volunteers

? Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and ages

? Work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision

? Operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, in-car computer, and emergency equipment

? Repair and maintain park structures and grounds

? Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and native grasses through drilling, planting, broadcasting, mowing, burning, and spraying herbicide

? Operate, repair, inspect, and service vehicles, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, skid loaders, dump truck, and other tools

? Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays


Essential Administration Responsibilities

? Operate common office equipment such calculators, photocopiers, and multi-line telephones

? Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email, and web browsing

? Apply for local, state or federal grants

? Plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employees, volunteers and contractors

? Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situations

? Operate the administrative side of the MyCountyParks reservation system to change, make, and check campground, shelter, and cabin reservations.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Conservation, Natural Resources, or related sciences preferred, High School Diploma/GED, Pre-Employment Physical, Pre-Employment Drug test, Clear Motor Vehicle Record, must be insurable under Boone County liability coverage, Pre Employment Background Check


Required Essential Licenses and Certifications

Certified peace officer in the State of Iowa (or be able to obtain certification), CPR and First Aid Certification (within one year of employment), Pesticide Applicatorโ€™s Certification


Mental/Visual Demands

Position demands attention in maintaining accurate records. Work under pressure with interruptions and challenging deadlines.


Required Essential Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 75 pounds of force. Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting. Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communications is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken work levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location, occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas and ditch embankments.


Environment

Frequently subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, cold and heat. Position will encounter dusty, windy, wet and icy work conditions.


Position Location

Primary location is Swede Point Park, Madrid, IA. Some traveling is required. Telecommuting is NOT approved for this position. Successful candidate will be offered a chance to live in the county residence at Swede Point Park as a rented residence.


Contacts

Position requires regular daily contact with others such as the public, other county offices and vendors.


Accountability

Accuracy is important to avoid errors in recording transactions. Be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Reliable work attendance. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and personal high level of integrity. Represent Boone County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner.


The Above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
performed by employee assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an
exhaustive list of all skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions required of a
person assigned to this job classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer
and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.Requirements: