Conservation Laborer - Parks

Polk County; Granger (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Polk County in Granger, IA seeks individuals for seasonal and part-time maintenance roles to support the county conservation lands, facilities, and equipment. You will assist full-time staff with park upkeep, mowing, landscaping, and custodial tasks, and help with light construction and repairs.

The position requires high school diploma, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, valid driver’s license, and willingness to pass background checks and certifications within six months.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Experience with operation of mowers, weed eaters, and hand tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist full-time staff with manual labor tasks to maintain county park system.
• Care for lawns, trees, shrubs, plants; mow, trim, clear brush, cut firewood.
• Clean restrooms, shelters, offices, shops, and campsite areas; haul waste.
• Maintain recreation areas and playgrounds; check safety concerns.
• Assist with repair, light construction, painting, and other maintenance projects.
• Operate and maintain equipment (hand tools, power tools, service vehicles, mowers, pressure washers).
• Assist in maintenance of county trails.
• Replenish cleaning supplies and stocked items; complete daily work logs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Manual labor

Tool handling

Weather resilience

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Lawn equipment

Job description

Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the seasonal maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance, custodial, and laborer duties within the Conservation department; performs related work as assigned.

1. Assists full-time staff with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain a county park system.

2. Participates in the care of county-owned lawns, trees, shrubs, and plants. Mows and trims grass, clears brush, removes invasive species, and cuts firewood.

3. Performs on a routine basis the cleaning of restroom/shower facilities, shelters, offices, shop areas, rental facilities, and campsite areas; picks up litter and hauls waste.

4. Cleans and maintains recreation areas and playground sites; checks for safety concerns.

5. Assists with repair, light construction, painting, and other maintenance projects.

6. Maintains and operates equipment such as hand tools, power tools, service vehicles, gators, tractors, mowers, custodial cleaning equipment, and pressure washers.

7. Assists in the maintenance of county trails.

8. Replenishes custodial cleaning supplies, restroom supplies, and other stocked items in various supply areas.

9. Completes daily work logs and other forms as necessary.

10.Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge and use of hand and power tools in performing manual labor tasks.
• Knowledge and use of custodial and cleaning equipment machines.
• General knowledge of the techniques and methods used in tree maintenance and care.
• Skill in the use and maintenance of lawn equipment including mowers/trimmers.
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to safely operate equipment including mowers, weed eaters, and hand tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to back equipment with a trailer attached.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Graduation from High School or equivalent, and
• Experience with operation of equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, and hand tools preferred, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Pesticide Applicator’s License per Iowa Code Section 206.6 is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Part-Time Positions:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A drug screen is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.

On-Call and Seasonal Position:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.