Fisheries Supervisor - Statewide Programs

State of Iowa•Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a strategic leader to supervise its statewide Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs. The position oversees conservation work affecting nearly 100,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 300,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. It directs research and program operations to strengthen fisheries management, protect aquatic ecosystems, and support water quality and fishing opportunities. As a member of the Fisheries Bureau Management Team, the supervisor leads a decentralized workforce of 18 permanent biological staff and supplemental seasonal, temporary, and administrative staff. The role administers a $2.5 million operating budget, manages professional-services research contracts and federal grant requirements, and contributes to bureau-wide operational, financial, and policy decisions. The supervisor also guides scientific research and database management, collaborates with university partners, and modernizes reporting and public communications, including support for statewide Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation initiatives.

Requirements

Meet at least one stated Minimum Qualification Requirement: four-year college graduation plus four years of full-time program administration, development, management, or operations experience; eight years of such full-time experience; an applicable combination of education and experience; or qualifying current, continuous State of Iowa executive-branch supervisory experience.
Meet the Fisheries Biology selective requirement through six months of experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both; alternatively, meet the Natural Resources selective requirement through six months of experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or more of the listed natural-resource areas.
Ability to direct staff, program operations, scientific research, budgets, grants, and external research contracts.
Knowledge and skills in fisheries science, biological principles, ecological data analysis, and analytical reasoning.
Communication skills, written and oral, interpersonal skills, teamwork, customer focus, accountability, integrity, productivity, self-management, and computer skills.
Strategic leadership and management, supervisory skills, budget management, and technical skills in fisheries science and analytical reasoning.

Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate 18 permanent biological staff and a supplemental workforce across Fisheries Research, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs.
Administer personnel actions, performance plans and appraisals, and first-step grievance resolutions; ensure personnel practices comply with EEO/AA, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA requirements.
Lead team development and productivity, and revise Position Description Questionnaires as program needs and organizational structures change.
Direct scientific operations, experimental designs, field activities, and research protocols for six fisheries research teams and the AIS and Aquatic Vegetation Management programs.
Evaluate complex ecological data and collaborate with DNR personnel and university partners to address issues affecting water quality, habitat, and fisheries.
Oversee development and maintenance of a statewide fisheries database for streams and lakes.
Visit field sites to participate in and review physical sampling and laboratory analyses, ensuring scientific and methodological integrity.
Serve on the Fisheries Bureau Management Team and contribute to bureau-wide operational, financial, and policy decisions.
Review regional fisheries management and fish culture actions for scientific validity and alignment with the Bureau strategic plan.
Identify operational inefficiencies and develop solutions and standard operating procedures for complex problems.
Formulate, monitor, and administer a $2.5 million annual operating budget, including long-range operating and capital improvement requests.
Negotiate and manage the Professional Services budget and external university research contracts.
Work with university researchers to identify, write, and secure outside research funding.
Collaborate with the Bureau's Program Manager 2 on federal aid applications and annual performance reports, ensuring compliance with Sport Fish Restoration and Aquatic Nuisance Species grant requirements.
Modernize Bureau reporting by transitioning paper formats to accessible digital platforms.
Coordinate with the Communications, Outreach and Marketing Bureau and direct research data analysis to evaluate and improve R3 initiatives.
Translate research and program updates into project summaries and media releases; develop communication plans and procedures for specialized constituent groups.
Coordinate annual district listening sessions and support local biologists as primary facilitators of public engagement.

Benefits

Competitive pay plan.
Insurance benefits beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment; premiums may start at $64 per month for single coverage and $210 per month for family coverage.
Separate vacation and sick leave accruals beginning on the first day of employment, with annual rollover.
Nine paid holidays per year.
IPERS retirement package with employer match.
Optional deferred compensation 457/401A plan with employer match.
Professional training opportunities.
Family-friendly and professional work environment.
Employee discount programs for vision, cellular service, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, and counseling.
Flexible work schedules, subject to supervisor approval.
Hybrid telework opportunities, subject to supervisor approval.
Onsite workout and gym facilities at 6200 Park Ave.
State total compensation package benefits stated to be worth about 30% of total compensation.