Prairie Specialist Temporary Worker

Job Description for Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Prairie Specialist Temporary Worker

Location: Prairie Resource Unit – Brushy Creek State Rec Area, 2820 Brushy Creek Rd, Lehigh, IA 50557
Hourly rate: $15.25
Start Date: August 11, 2025, flexible for the right candidate
Anticipated End Date: December 31, 2025 (780 hours)
Application deadline: July 18, 2025

Job Description:
The DNR is seeking to hire a temporary employee to be stationed at the Prairie Resource Unit. The primary responsibilities of the Temporary Worker at the Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Center are to assist the team with the production of local ecotype native grass and wildflower seed for Iowa’s public lands.
 

The person in this position must possess strong organization and communication skills and be able to express ideas orally and in writing. The candidate must possess identification skills of plants to lead others in the propagation, maintenance, and harvest of prairie species. Candidates must possess the ability to operate independently with indirect supervision under general coordination and program guidelines.
 

Job duties:
• Assist in the propagation of prairie species at greenhouse and plot areas.
• Assist in the planting and establishment of native grass and forb production fields.
• Assist in the direction of volunteers, inmates, college interns, and other staff in cleaning, planting,
and harvest of prairie plant materials.
• Identify and harvest seed of specific prairie species from prairie remnants across the state.
• Assist with harvest and storage of prairie seed.
• Assist with distribution of plant materials to various DNR entities.
• Participate in personal and professional development training activities.
• Control noxious weeds in seed production areas. Beneficial to have pesticide applicators license
prior to employment.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Possessing or pursuing a college degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely
related natural resource field.
• Must be available for all interviews and training as required.
• Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Able to work alone, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as
required.
• Able to withstand physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, or hauling.
• Work with minimal supervision, demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
• Exhibits honesty and integrity.

• Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a
polite, courteous and cooperative manner.
• Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments
efficiently.
• Aligns behavior with needs, priorities, and goals of the organization.

Applications due by July 18, 2025 for full consideration.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Laura Miner at
laura.miner@dnr.iowa.gov. For more information contact Laura Miner, Prairie Resource Unit Biologist
at 515-543-8319.