Natural Resources Technician Jobs

The Dallas County Conservation Board is seeking qualified candidates to fill two newly created positions. One position will be based out of the North Unit located at Forest Park Museum and Arboretum near Perry, Iowa, while the other position will be based out of the South Unit located at the Kuehn Conservation Area near Earlham, Iowa. The employees will be responsible for parks, trails, buildings, and facility maintenance; and natural resource management at designated areas. Qualified candidates will have a background in equipment operation, equipment maintenance and repair; construction, building repairs. The Natural Resources Technician will assist the Natural Resource Manager or other supervisors as assigned. In order to be considered for this position, please provide a cover letter and resume, along with your completed application.

• Monitors and evaluates facilities and grounds to identify maintenance needs.
• Participates in controlled burn activities.
• Repairs and maintains buildings, facilities, and equipment.
• Performs chemical applications of pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers.
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment, including lift trucks, chippers, chain saws, sprayers, mowers, tractors, and department motor vehicles as assigned; performs preventive maintenance.
• Participates in field surveys involving fishery, wildlife, botanical, and wetland resources; assists in the enhancement or development of wildlife habitats; facilitates controlled hunting/refuge programs.
• Participates in the planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs, prairies, woodlands, etc.
• Prunes or removes dead or diseased trees and dangerous limbs; cuts and trims grass, trees, and shrubs using hand and power tools.
• Collects funds from trail tubes.
• Performs a variety of tasks in connection with the operation and maintenance of green infrastructure within the county park system, including tree maintenance, invasive species removal, prairie planting, wetland restoration, grounds keeping, etc.
• Performs related duties.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and stocks restrooms; cleans offices; cleans museum facilities; cleans rental facilities for upcoming events.
• Collects water samples.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pesticide Applicators License (minimum of Core and Category 6) and Prescribed Burn Certifications: S190, S130 and L180 or ability to obtain.
• Valid Iowa Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain.
• One to two years related work experience in a Natural Resources field

• Knowledge of building maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of county and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of a variety of tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of natural science as related to natural resources management.
• Knowledge of tree maintenance and removal principles.
• Knowledge of the planting, care, and maintenance of a variety of plants.
• Knowledge of natural resource management and maintenance principles.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.