Central Iowa Field Assistant

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) is a leading statewide, nonprofit conservation organization committed to protecting and restoring Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. As an organization dedicated to caring for Iowa’s diverse natural areas, INHF currently owns and stewards over 10,000 permanently protected acres across 60+ properties within the state. Our commitment to land stewardship has led to additional growth in staff and on-the-ground capacity throughout our four stewardship regions. The central region, INHF’s largest region, covers a significant portion of the state (67 counties), which allows opportunities to steward a diversity of sites and natural plant communities. To help us continue to diversify our capacity and accomplish our mission of protection and restoration, INHF is seeking a passionate, well-organized land steward for a temporary, hourly position.

Applications are due January 20, 2025.

Job Description

The part-time Central Iowa Field Assistant (CIFA) reports directly to the Land Stewardship Associate to carry out and further develop Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s protection and stewardship activities within the central Iowa region. The CIFA will have the opportunity to work individually and as part of a team to care for several properties in central Iowa. You will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from knowledgeable staff and partners who genuinely care about the lands they steward. The central regional office is based in Des Moines, Iowa, while our field base is located near Bondurant, Iowa. The CIFA will report to our field base on most days. 

Duties include:

• Assist with all aspects of natural lands stewardship on remnant and reconstructed prairie, oak savanna and woodlands, including implementation of prescribed fire, invasive plant management, herbicide application, prairie and woodland restoration, bat habitat restoration, prairie seeding and seed collection, handling and storage
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of stewardship equipment, including but not limited to chainsaws, brush cutters, trailers, UTVs, tractors, mowers and other small engines
• Provide guidance and assist the central Iowa land stewardship interns (6 interns during summer months)
• Work alongside and assist in the leadership of Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) crew members on permanently protected lands owned by INHF
• Complete annual site inspections and stewardship project reporting of INHF-owned properties

Education and skills

• Baccalaureate or associate degree in natural resource management, animal ecology, wildlife biology, botany, forestry, environmental sciences or a related field is preferred but not required
• Knowledge and field experience with natural lands restoration and stewardship
• Experience in the identification of native and non-native flora and fauna of Iowa
• Experience operating and maintaining power equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters, UTVs and small tractors
• Experience safely using herbicides and application equipment
• Experience with prescribed fire (S130/S190 certification preferred)
• Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills and ability to consistently and effectively communicate with supervisor
• Ability to work with a broad range of people with different skillsets, backgrounds and personalities

In addition to the above list of required/preferred education and skills, the CIFA must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle that can be used for occasionally traveling to work sites. The CIFA must also have the ability and flexibility to travel throughout the central Iowa region on short notice. Most travel will occur within one hour of our field base, however there will be times when further travel is necessary. Occasional travel to other INHF stewardship regions across the state may be necessary (see map). Overnight stays will occasionally be necessary when completing land stewardship activities in the further extent of the region. Formal educational opportunities (conferences, trainings, etc.) may be possible.   

The CIFA participates in other projects and programs of INHF as directed by the President, Land Stewardship Associate and/or Central Iowa Land Stewardship Director and always represents Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in a positive, courteous and professional manner.

Compensation and work dates

• $17.50/hour (non-exempt)
• Approx. 24-32 hours/week
• Term of employment not to exceed 1,040 hours or November 31st, whichever comes first
• Flexibility with work hours and days depending on individual schedules and INHF needs
• Mileage paid for work related travel if INHF vehicle is not available. INHF vehicle will be available for travel to work sites most days
• No benefits associated with this position
• Anticipated Start Date — March 3, 2025
• Approximate end date — November 14, 2025