Land Management Program Coordinator

Job Description

Executive Officer 2

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.

The Wildlife Bureau is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to serve as a Land Management Program Coordinator, providing leadership and oversight for federal grant programs, public land management support, and bureau-wide administrative and technology initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Federal Grants & Program Leadership

• Lead administration of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Office of Conservation Investment grants for public land management.
• Prepare and manage work plans, performance reports, and grant documentation using federal aid funding.
• Coordinate efforts with 16 wildlife management unit teams and 5 district supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with federal requirements including NEPA, Executive Orders, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Conduct field inspections and resolve issues related to federal funding and audits.

Public Land Management Support

• Support field staff in public land management programs and activities.
• Coordinate cultural resource surveys and evaluate compatible land use practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal aid regulations across management activities.
• Administer FEMA disaster funding, including reporting, time extensions, and project modifications.
• Coordinate wetlands and native prairie tax exemption programs.
• Manage licensing requirements, including pesticide applicator certifications and FCC mobile radio licenses.

Technology & Strategic Coordination

• Lead development and implementation of technology solutions for natural resource decision-making.
• Track, analyze, and communicate Wildlife Bureau accomplishments.
• Provide guidance on landscape analysis, strategic planning, and geographic prioritization.
• Represent the Bureau in technology planning and initiatives.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist with administrative operations supporting statewide programs and staff.
• Coordinate and manage the Bureau’s operational budget.
• Serve on the Wildlife Management Team.
• Maintain computer replacement schedules and oversee annual equipment procurement.
• Carry out special assignments as directed by leadership.

Coordination with Land & Waters Bureau

• Collaborate on realty and land management programs to align with wildlife priorities and funding requirements.
• Review Sovereign Lands permits for the Wildlife Bureau.
• Assist with habitat lease development and management.
• Support staff on boundary disputes, easements, and land management agreements.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence statewide conservation efforts, support public land stewardship, and lead initiatives that integrate science, policy, and technology in wildlife management.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate program leadership, regulatory expertise, and collaborative problem-solving to advance wildlife conservation goals.

• Leadership in Complex Programs
  Demonstrates ownership and accountability in managing multifaceted federal grant programs, ensuring deadlines, funding requirements, and deliverables are consistently met.
• Strong Regulatory Judgment
  Applies federal regulations confidently and accurately, ensuring compliance while enabling practical, on-the-ground land management solutions.
• Effective Coordination Across Teams
  Builds alignment among diverse groups—including field staff, supervisors, and partner bureaus—by fostering clear communication, trust, and shared goals.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking
  Uses data, technology, and landscape-level perspectives to inform decisions, improve program outcomes, and support long-term conservation planning.
• Field Awareness & Practical Problem-Solving
  Understands real-world land management challenges and translates policy into actionable guidance through field engagement and issue resolution.
• Clear & Impactful Communication
  Communicates complex technical and regulatory information in a way that is accessible, actionable, and tailored to varied audiences.
• Operational Reliability & Organization
  Manages multiple priorities with precision, maintaining strong systems for tracking grants, compliance requirements, budgets, and equipment.
• Adaptability & Initiative
  Responds effectively to changing priorities, emerging issues, and special assignments while maintaining progress on core responsibilities.
• Collaborative Mindset
  Works constructively across programs and disciplines, supporting shared outcomes and strengthening partnerships within and beyond the Bureau.
• Commitment to Public Service & Conservation
  Demonstrates dedication to stewardship of public lands, responsible use of funding, and advancing the mission of wildlife conservation.

Essential Functions

• Advises staff and directs daily operations in accordance with DNR programs, policies, regulatory requirements and wildlife management research.
• Analyzes organizational and operational problems and develops economical solutions.
• Coordinates the bureau's operational budget.
• Communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration.
• Evaluates bureau projects and prioritizes them based on wildlife needs and available funding.
• Interprets complex program objectives and regulations to ensure proper application across the agency.
• Analyzes and evaluates wildlife management practices to ensure compliance with existing and new laws and rules.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Customer Focus, Communication Skills, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Team Player, Technical Skills (Wildlife management, land 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

901 Wildlife 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:

1) 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 in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Executive Officer 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description (Download PDF reader).