Conservation Coordinator

Summit Ag; Alden Township (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Agricultural Group is seeking a full-time Grounds and Conservation Technician to care for conservation lands across livestock facilities. You will operate equipment, manage grounds, restore native habitat, and collaborate with government agencies on land strategy.

Responsibilities include seeding native grasses, mowing, planting trees, prescribed burns prep, and equipment maintenance. CDL is a plus; outdoor work and weather exposure are expected.

Qualifications

• Self-directed and adaptable — works effectively with minimal supervision, independently or on a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to operate power tools and agricultural equipment, plus GPS knowledge.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred or ability to obtain one.
• Associate degree or B.S. in conservation-related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead groundskeeping projects across livestock production sites, including seed and maintenance of bluegrass lawns.
• Mow, trim, plant trees, spray vegetation, and maintain driplines on new trees.
• Partner with staff and government agencies on conservation properties, including seeding native grasses and forbs, and prescribed burns.
• Manage routine repair and maintenance on equipment such as skid loaders, tractors, mowers, trimmers, and spray systems.
• Perform timber stand improvements and support food plots; other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Independence

Organization

Equipment operation

GPS knowledge

Driver's license

CDL preferred

Education

Associate or B.S. in conservation-related field

Tools

Skid loaders

Tractors

Mowers

Trimmers

Chainsaws

Job description

This position leads the care of conservation lands and grounds across Summit Agricultural Group’s livestock production facilities. The role operates equipment, restores native habitat, and maintains a sharp appearance at every site, while partnering with government agencies on land management strategy.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Grounds and Facility Preservation

• Lead groundskeeping projects across livestock production sites
  • Seed and maintain bluegrass lawns
  • Mow and trim grounds
  • Maintain and plant trees
  • Spray grass and tree rows
  • Install and maintain driplines on new trees

Conservation Land Management

• Partner with staff and government agencies to manage conservation properties, including but not limited to:
• Prepping and seeding areas to native grasses and forbs
• Preforming spring prescribed burns
  • Mowing and spraying to control invasive vegetative species
  • Prepping and planting food plots
  • Timber stand improvement projects

Equipment Care

• Manage routine repair and maintenance on equipment, including but not limited to:
  • skid loaders, tractors, mowers, and trimmers
  • Sprayer neutralizing
  • Grass drill calibration
  • Chainsaws
• Other duties and projects, as assigned

Education, Experience, and Other Qualifications:

• Self-directed and adaptable — works effectively with minimal supervision, independently or on a team, in a fast-changing environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, while prioritizing work
• Ability to operate power tools, large and small agricultural equipment (skid loaders, tractors, truck and trailer), and hand tools
• Basic knowledge of GPS
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory motor vehicle record
• CDL preferred, or ability to obtain one
• Associate degree or B.S. in the conservation related field, is preferred
• This position may require some tasks to be performed in outside weather
• The noise level in the work environment and job sites may be
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibrations.

Physicality Requirements:

• Required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.
• The employee must be able to continuously repeat necessary movements such as bending, lifting and different hand movements as needed to complete tasks.
• Ability to frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position with the expected days of operation to be Monday-Friday.
• Occasional evening hours and weekend work may be required as job duties demand and/or seasonality.
• Additional availability may be required during staffing challenges

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.