Wetland Monitoring Summer Employees (2) Needed: late -May - August 2007

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 improve water quality.

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, 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 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 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 $1500/ month. Housing will be
provided. Must be willing to work as a team and live in a shared field
house. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and allow their
driving record to be screened during normal State of Iowa review 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 23, 2007

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

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is an EEO/AA EMPLOYER.



_____________________________________
Tim Stewart
Assistant Professor
Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
(515) 294-1644
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~twstewar/homepage.html