Wetland Monitoring Summer Employees Needed (2 positions available) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Watershed Monitoring and Assessment Section is seeking two summer wetland monitoring assistants. Assistants will work with wetland monitoring biologists to identify, measure, collect, and record various types of biological, chemical and physical data from wetlands and shallow lakes located in north central/west Iowa. The objectives of this project are to assess the ecological condition of wetlands related to statewide initiatives to understand and improve wetland quality. Work will be performed primarily from Late May/early June to August, with potentially flexible start / finish dates.
Duties will include the following related activities: - Work in teams to perform rapid site evaluations of wetlands in north central Iowa - Assist with field sampling methods and the collection/processing of water, sediment and biological samples. - Must be willing to use, or learn to use, all equipment related to field sampling work including: 4WD trucks, trailers, ATV operation, canoe, multi-parameter sampling probes, fish nets and any other related hand tools - GIS map interpretation and navigation in a rural landscape. - Contact landowners to gain permission to access wetlands on private land. Applicants must have a good understanding of basic wetland ecology, outdoor skills and be physically capable of, and willing to work long hours in the field under all types of weather conditions. Applicants must be able to perform moderate physical work such as carrying sampling equipment while walking through marshy areas, loading/unloading canoes, etc. After initial training, assistants will work in teams to obtain landowner permission and sample wetlands/shallow lakes. Sampling work will require overnight stays in north central Iowa and extensive travel throughout the sampling region most of the summer. Pay will be a stipend of $2000/ month. Free housing will be provided. Must be willing to work as a team and live in a shared field house. Applicants must have a valid drivers license and allow their driving record to be screened upon hiring. Employees will gain valuable work experience in the following ways: 1) learn methods and techniques related to wetland sampling, 2) gain first- hand knowledge of wetlands and the issues that face wetlands, 3) gain valuable experience communicating with the public and working in teams, 4) gain a working knowledge of numerous wetland and upland wildlife and plants species, as well as wetland fish and invertebrates. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2008 To apply, please send a resume including the names, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, and a cover letter with available start and end dates, electronically or by mail to: Vince Evelsizer Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources 109 Trowbridge Hall Iowa City, IA 52242-1319 [EMAIL PROTECTED] for questions call: (319) 3351574 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is an EEO/AA EMPLOYER.
