Forest Nursery Technician: Grow Seedlings & Lead Teams

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS retirement

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking two State Forest Nursery Technicians to help grow and manage over a million seedlings annually for conservation projects across Iowa. You will oversee crews, operate tractors and irrigation systems, and ensure quality grading and packaging for customers.

Ideal candidates will enjoy outdoor work, have strong leadership and safety awareness, and be comfortable with data recording and equipment maintenance to support our mission of conserving

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time experience in facilities maintenance or related biological/conservation work.
• Experience working with teams or inmate crews is a plus.
• Ability to operate and maintain nursery equipment and vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Grow and care for tree and shrub seedlings from seed collection to packaging.
• Lead seasonal employees and inmate crews in planting, nursery maintenance, grading, sorting, and shipping.
• Maintain records, databases, and spreadsheets; prepare reports and purchase orders.

Skills

Leadership

Outdoor work

Equipment operation

Record keeping

Attention to safety

Tools

Tractors

Forklifts

Irrigation systems

Job description

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking two State Forest Nursery Technicians to help grow and manage over a million seedlings annually for conservation projects across Iowa. You will oversee crews, operate tractors and irrigation systems, and ensure quality grading and packaging for customers.

Ideal candidates will enjoy outdoor work, have strong leadership and safety awareness, and be comfortable with data recording and equipment maintenance to support our mission of conserving