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Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Iowa State University is seeking Wildlife Monitoring Technicians to support Iowa's Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring (MSIM) program. Working as part of a field research and monitoring team, technicians will assist with biological data collection across a variety of wildlife and plant taxa throughout Iowa. Responsibilities include conducting field surveys, collecting and managing ecological data, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to statewide conservation and monitoring efforts. Positions will be based out of Boone, Sioux City, and Iowa City, Iowa, with tentative additional locations in Indianola and Waterloo, Iowa. Fieldwork will occur throughout the state in support of wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.

The full field season runs March 22, 2027 through October 15, 2027. Applicants available for the full field season are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates available from mid-May through October 15, 2027, as well as a limited number of summer-only applicants available from mid-May through August 2027, will also be considered.

Successful candidates will be dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. This position involves extensive outdoor fieldwork, including hiking long distances across uneven and challenging terrain, carrying field equipment, working in and around water, and performing duties in a variety of weather conditions. Work schedules may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight travel to support field operations throughout the state.

The ability to accurately recognize and distinguish colors is an essential function of this position. This ability is necessary to safely and effectively perform field monitoring activities, identify wildlife and plant species, assess habitat conditions, interpret visual field indicators, and collect biological data accurately.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants should be graduates of, currently enrolled in, or on a scheduled break between academic terms in a degree program in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and meeting the University's Fleet Safety Program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resources, or a related field.
• Experience conducting field research, monitoring, or survey activities involving one or more taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish, mussels, odonates, butterflies, or plants.

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is dedicated to the understanding, effective management, and sustainable use of our renewable natural resources through the land-grant missions of teaching, research, and extension.

The Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) department was formed in July of 2002 as a merge of Iowa State's Animal Ecology and Forestry departments. Since then, we've graduated students in both majors to a variety of natural resource positions all over the world. We are also proud to be home to leading researchers in natural resource fields.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates must submit their application by November 30, 2026, to receive guaranteed consideration.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter
• Contact information for three professional references.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.