Wetland Monitoring Summer Employees (3) Needed: late -May - August 2006

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Watershed Monitoring and
Assessment Section is looking for three 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 located in north central Iowa.
The objectives of this project are to assess the ecological condition of
wetlands related to statewide initiatives to improve water quality.

Duties will include the following related activities:

Assist with 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, operation of an ATV and handling its
associated trailer, canoe, multi-parameter sampling probes, fish nets and
any other related hand tools
GIS map interpretation, and landowner contacts related to gaining
permission to access wetlands on private land.

Applicants must be willing to work long hours in the field under all types
of weather conditions, deal with moderate physical work carrying sampling
equipment while walking through marshy areas, and have a good
understanding of basic wetland ecology and outdoor skills. After initial
training, assistants will work in teams to obtain landowner permission and
sample wetlands. Sampling during the week 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 $1500/ month. Housing will
be provided. Must be willing to work as a team and live in a shared field
house.

Employees will gain valuable work experience in the following ways: 1)
practice field identification skills with numerous wetland (and upland)
wildlife, plant, fish and invertebrate species, 2) methods and techniques
related to wetland sampling 3) and valuable experience using sampling
equipment, map interpretation in a rural landscape, and general
communication with the public.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY APRIL 3, 2006

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume including the names, phone
numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references electronically or by
regular postal mail to:
Vince Evelsizer - Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
109 Trowbridge Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1319
or by email to: vevelsizer@igsb.uiowa.edu
for questions call: (319) 335 - 1574