Fisheries Program Manager

Fisheries Program Manager

Salary

$70,075.20 - $108,388.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01355

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

11/09/2026

Closing Date

11/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

George Scholten, George.scholten@dnr.iowa.gov; 515-371-6915

To Apply

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

At the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we believe that conserving and enhancing our states natural spaces is a collaborative effort. Our team works hand-in-hand within the communities we serve, united by a shared passion for improving Iowas quality of life and ensuring a vibrant outdoor legacy for future generations. When you join us, you become part of a close-knit, highly dedicated environment where your daily contributions have a visible, lasting impact on the natural world around us.

As the Fisheries Program Manager, you will be at the forefront of this mission, serving as the principal decision-maker for our multi-million-dollar capital improvement and federal grant programs. By steering our infrastructure planning away from reactive repairs and toward proactive, long-term development, you will directly enhance water quality, expand inclusive boater and angler access, and secure vital fish habitats across Iowa.

Primary Job Duties

Strategic Capital Improvement & Facility Planning

• Direct the Fisheries Bureau's capital improvement program, scoping and executing progressive projects-such as boat ramps, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, and fish habitat enhancements-based on biological data and user surveys.
• Evaluate the structural integrity of aging fisheries infrastructure and prioritize facility upgrades at hatcheries and regional management stations based on life-safety and operational necessity.
• Synthesize cultural resource reports and coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to secure mandatory Section 106 environmental clearances before ground disturbance occurs.
• Onboard field staff on the capital project request process and lead on-site consultations to develop long-term, proactive infrastructure plans.

Grant Writing, Revenue Generation & Compliance

• Identify and pursue non-traditional federal programs and private conservation grants by translating complex biological and engineering data into highly competitive funding narratives.
• Administer internal federal grants, including Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), by building itemized budgets and inputting performance records into the federal TRACS system to ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) regulations.
• Manage external pass-through grants such as the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG), Clean Vessel Act (CVA), and County Fish Habitat Grant programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for local municipalities and marinas, advising them on application preparation, executing subrecipient agreements, and overseeing long-term compliance monitoring.

Procurement, Contracting & Fleet Operations

• Serve as the central clearinghouse for complex field purchases, consulting with biological staff to write exact technical specifications for items like specialized scientific equipment, bulk fish feed, and commercial fish removal services.
• Draft and amend high-value contracts (exceeding $50,000 annually) and process specialized sub-$15,000 direct purchases.
• Manage the Bureaus fleet of over 70 vehicles, tracking depreciation budgets and vehicle orders, while also reviewing and authorizing field information technology acquisitions.

Seasonal Workforce Administration

• Exercise strict financial control over the Bureaus seasonal, temporary, and contract workforce budget across the management, research, and culture teams.
• Process hiring and termination actions, coordinate mandatory onboarding, and audit payroll reports to ensure temporary employees remain within the 780-hour statutory limit and established bureau financial caps.

Emergency Disaster Recovery Coordination

• Direct the Bureaus disaster recovery operations by quantifying infrastructure damages to hatcheries and access areas following severe weather events.
• Prepare formal Project Worksheets for FEMA Public Assistance and draft applications for Financial State Disaster Aid to the Executive Council of Iowa, securing recovery funds and ensuring restorations incorporate long-term resiliency measures.

Essential Functions

Administers internal federal operational grants, including Sport Fish Restoration and Aquatic Nuisance Species grants, to enforce compliance and support critical aquatic habitat and water quality initiatives.

Directs the prioritization and administration of progressive capital improvement funding proposals for hatcheries, regional management stations, watershed enhancement projects, and inclusive public access areas.

Trains field staff on the capital project request process and develops proactive, long-term infrastructure plans during on-site consultations.

Secures mandatory historical clearance documentation from the State Historic Preservation Office for infrastructure, access, and in-water habitat modification projects.

Administers pass-through grants by authorizing cost-share agreements, verifying land control, and processing reimbursements for state and local partner infrastructure programs.

Directs state and federal emergency disaster relief claims by calculating and documenting infrastructure damages while protecting localized water quality and fish habitat.

Directs external revenue generation by writing competitive grant applications and counseling local managers on securing community cost-share funds.

Enforces the seasonal and contract workforce budget by processing personnel action forms and auditing statewide payroll data.

Directs field acquisitions by drafting technical specifications, processing sub-$15,000 direct purchases, and managing high-value and agency-level contracts for specialized equipment.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills (written & oral), Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Customer Focus, Self-Management, Computer Skills, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Technical Skills (Fisheries & Infrastructure Management).

What You Get From Us:

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

(Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).

• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (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 (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
• The State's total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.
• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
• Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
• Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave

Comments

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Iowa DNR Mission

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Selectives

Natural Resources

6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following: • Ecology • Environmental planning • Soil conservation • Biological sciences • Waste water treatment • Forestry • Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.) • Outdoor recreation planning • Physical sciences • River basin planning • Geography • Wildlife management

OR

Fisheries Biology 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to four years of full-time professional-level work inprogram administration, program development, program operations, or management.
• A total of eight years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• All of the following (a, b, and c): (a) Two years of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and (b) A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and (c) A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as a Program Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university? IF YES- How many years do you have of full-time professional level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than two years of the identified experience
• Two years to less than four years of the identified experience
• Four years or more of the identified experience

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND/OR experience in full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience
• Four years to less than eight years of the combined education and/or experience
• Eight years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee? IF YES - How many months do you have of continuous experience in the state executive branch as a Program Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• Less than 12 months of experience as a full-time work as a Program Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.
• 12 months or more of experience as a Program Manager 1 or a comparable management level position

06

Do you meet A, B and C: (A) Two years of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and (B) A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and (C) A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

• Yes - I meet A, B and C
• I do not meet A, B and C

07

Selective 450 (Natural Resources)

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following:

• Ecology
• Environmental planning
• Soil conservation
• Biological sciences
• Waste water treatment
• Forestry
• Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.)
• Outdoor recreation planning
• Physical sciences
• River basin planning
• Geography
• Wildlife management?
• Yes
• No

08

Selective 900 (Fisheries Biology)

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Fisheries Biology?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the selectives questions above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.]

10

After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

11

Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Address 6200 Park Ave

STE 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website http://www.iowadnr.gov/