State Park Technician Jobs

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and 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 Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently has an opening for a Park Technician position at Prairie Rose State Park. This park encompasses over 600 acres of diverse landscapes that offers a picturesque blend of rolling prairies, woodlands, and a beautiful lake, providing visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and tranquil experiences in nature. The park's abundant natural beauty, from vibrant wildflowers to captivating birdlife, sets the stage for unforgettable adventures. With a range of activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, Prairie Rose State Park caters to the interests of outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Its well-maintained facilities, educational programs, and dedicated staff create a welcoming environment for visitors, while conservation efforts ensure the preservation of its remarkable biodiversity.

As the Park Technician you will be part of the dedicate team responsible for maintenance, conservation, and customer service at Prairie Rose State Park. Maintenance duties may include cleaning and maintaining offices, service building, restrooms, shower & restroom buildings, heating and cooling systems, water and wastewater systems, campgrounds, shelters, lodges, cabins and camping cabins, docks, roadways, playgrounds, and fences. The Park Technician also operates and maintains all assigned equipment safely and correctly. This includes trimmers, saws, power hand tools, pumps, mowers, tractors, ATV's, trailers, boats and motor vehicles. You'll use your skills and knowledge to address maintenance issues promptly and efficiently, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.

In addition to maintenance work, you'll be involved in conservation efforts to protect the park's natural resources. This may include management of vegetation and wildlife through the use of controlled burns, vegetation plantings, pruning, habitat improvement, and removal and control of invasive species. You'll work closely with the Park Manager and other staff to implement and support conservation initiatives, helping to preserve the park's natural beauty and biodiversity. The Park Technician also maintains a multi-use trail system in a manner that ensures both visitor safety and the integrity of the resource.

As a Park Technician, you'll also play a vital role in providing excellent customer service to park visitors. This involves interacting with guests, answering their questions, providing information about the park's features and recreational opportunities, and ensuring their overall satisfaction during their visit. You'll serve as a friendly and knowledgeable resource, helping visitors make the most of their time at Prairie Rose State Park.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to assist with educational programs and events at the park. These programs aim to connect visitors with the natural wonders of the park and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment. Your involvement may include leading nature walks, conducting workshops, or participating in interpretive activities that promote environmental education and awareness. The Park Technician also promotes and interacts with the local friends groups and works collaboratively with the local chamber of commerce and other economic development groups that play a role in promoting the area.

The Park Technician patrols within the assigned area to ensure visitor safety, security of state property and facilities, and orderliness within the public-use areas as a six-month officer. This includes assisting park visitors with problems and their requests for help, attending regular training sessions on enforcement subjects to maintain knowledge of enforcement techniques, and completing paperwork related to enforcement, and other reports as required.

Working as a state park technician at Prairie Rose State Park offers a dynamic and rewarding experience. You'll have the chance to work in a beautiful natural setting, contributing to the conservation and preservation of this remarkable environment. You'll play a crucial role in maintaining the park's infrastructure, ensuring visitor safety and satisfaction, and fostering a positive and memorable experience for everyone who visits.

Essential Functions

• Train staff and volunteers to perform tasks.
• Capacity to adjust to change, work pressures or difficult situations without undue stress.
• Demonstrate initiative, a customer service and team orientation, and display high standards of ethical conduct.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and effectively communicate technical information; attention to detail
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and other DNR staff.
• Work independently as well as a team member in solving problems and improving service delivery.
• Operate and maintain power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes. This requires the ability to work outdoors and withstand physically demanding work such as stooping, bending and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Critical Job Competencies

Communication Skills (written/oral), Interpersonal Skills, Customer Focus, Integrity, Self-Management, High Productivity; Flexibility, Accountability, Team Player, and Computer Skills, Technical Skills (park management and maintenance).

What You Get From Us

• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).
• Professional training opportunities.
• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. (Premiums can start as low as $56/month for single and $187/month for family coverage).
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.

For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.

Applicants must meet requirements of DAS Selective Certification #914 Park Management, which requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, six months experience, or a combination of both in the area of park and recreation management. Additionally, if a spring 2023 graduate meets these requirements we welcome them to apply.

The successful candidates must be able to obtain the following:

• A commercial pesticide applicator's license.
• Live within travel requirement as outlined in DNR Park Bureau Policies
• Possess and maintain valid driver’s license

Normal hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday in non-peak season, hours and shifts vary during the DNR recreational season.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application.

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.

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.

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

914 Park and Recreation Management

6 months’ experience, twelve semester hours, or a combination of both in the operation and/or maintenance of parks or park recreational services. May have commonly been served at a national, state, or county park level.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

The equivalent of two years of full time experience involving facilities maintenance in plumbing, electrical, and/or heating and cooling, or semi-skilled or technical work in a biological, horticultural, conservation, or natural resources program;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of college level course work in a biological or natural resources program for the required experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .

Additional Qualification Requirements

• Certain designated positions require the employee to be certified by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.
• Certain designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain: a Commercial Drivers License and endorsements; and/or certification as a water and wastewater system operator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.