Protected Species and Natural Areas Team Lead (TP 3)

State of Iowa•Ames, IA

43d

About The Position

We are looking to hire a Protected Species and Natural Areas Team Lead (Transportation Planner 3) who will serve an integral role in the transportation planning process for the Iowa DOT while leading a team of specialists within the Location and Environment Bureau. This team is responsible for ensuring that Iowa's multi-modal transportation projects do not endanger or harm state and/or federally protected species or significantly harm their habitat. Location: Ames, IA - Location and Environment Bureau, 800 Lincoln Way Schedule and Travel: Workdays are Monday through Friday. Flexible schedule and telework arrangements available. Some travel and overnight stays. As a people leader, this position will be responsible for aligning the efforts of commitment, transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior of the team. This position assists the supervisor by performing such duties as instructing employees, answering questions, distributing and balancing workload, and checking work; may make suggestions on selection, promotions, and reassignments. The Iowa Department of Transportation's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. This position will foster growth and support for its reporting team through the five core values of the department: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to six years of full-time work in professional transportation planning/engineering.
Six years of full-time work experience in transportation planning; and A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a),where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in transportation planning.
Ten years of current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six years of full-time work in transportation planning.
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the study of living organisms. It is broadly dividedinto zoology and botany.
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the study of the relationship between organisms and the environment.
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the sciences collectively that are involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena, including biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but excluding social sciences, abstract or theoretical sciences, such as mathematics, and applied sciences.
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.
12 semester hours, 6 months continuous full-time experience, or a combination of both, in any of the following: Dendrology Silviculture Forest management, tree planting and habitat management Timber stand improvement Forest planning Planning and mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for forest improvement projects Forest inventory including tree identification Reforestation and/or forest health data collection and monitoring
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences to the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems.

Nice To Haves

Effective leadership and management
Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication
Displays high standards of ethical conduct
Treats customers courteously and is responsive to their needs
Commits to providing a high-quality product and service
Addresses and listens to others in a respectful manner

Responsibilities

Developing in-depth knowledge of protected species and natural areas regulations, policies, and best practices; serving as subject matter expert in the department.
Representing the department in a wide variety of settings, including public meetings, inter-agency meetings, meetings with stakeholders, and conferences.
Reviewing, analyzing, and understanding team performance to assure goals and objectives are met, and a high level of service is attained; initiating action as necessary to improve substandard performance and maximize performance overall.
Exercising strategic and critical analysis and problem-solving to lead effective and intelligent decisions that affect the performance and function of the team and to advance the vision, mission, goals, strategies, actions, and activities of the department.
Understanding and championing process improvement theories, strategies, and activities to advance team performance.
Using a variety of communication methods and tools to respond to and resolve concerns, demands, requests, and issues and to advance the vision, mission, goals, strategies, actions and activities of the Iowa DOT.
Researching, reviewing, analyzing, and understanding complex state and federal statutes and regulations to determine required action and conduct and proper exercise of discretion where discretion exists; recommending and advocating for changes in statutes and regulations that advance the vision, mission, goals, strategies, actions, and activities of the department.
Assisting the Bureau Director in initiating, negotiating, reviewing, analyzing, understanding, and enforcing a wide variety of contracts and agreements involving and affecting the bureau; effectively, lawfully, and ethically manages contracts and vendor relationships and obligations.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental insurance premiums can be found here.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

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