Hardin County - Natural Resource Technician - Ackley , IA

My County Parks; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform allowance

Health insurance

Job summary

Hardin County seeks a Natural Resource Technician to manage parks, wildlife areas, and related programs. You will develop strategies, oversee land management, and assist landowners with habitat projects.

You will use GIS tools, maintain equipment, and provide public information. The role requires a 90-day probation and non-exempt status, with county benefits.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of conservation principles and practices.
• Ability to identify trees, shrubs, wildlife common to Iowa.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess short/long term natural resource strategies for parks and wildlife areas.
• Apply management practices including prescribed burning and vegetation planting.
• Provide public information and workshops related to habitat and wildlife.
• Operate maintenance on trucks, tractors, and equipment.
• Supervise temporary staff and assist with grant writing.

Skills

Conservation principles

Tree and wildlife ID

Public speaking

ArcView GIS

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associates Degree

Tools

Pictometry

ArcView GIS

Job description

This job is a non-exempt permanent full time position under the direction of the Conservation Director. The Natural Resource Technician performs a wide variety of professional, technical, and field duties including but not limited to; natural resource management, park and facility maintenance, and program administration.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or other applicable field;, or at least two (10 +) years of natural resource field experience or agricultural work.

Special Certification Requirements

Within 6 months of hiring

• A valid Iowa Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.
• A valid Iowa Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• Minimum wild land fire training of NWCG S-130/190, S131, S290 certification (within a year)

Primary Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and assess short and long term natural resource management strategies for the county’s parks and wildlife areas's
• Apply natural resource management practices on both public and private land including, but not limited to:
  • Prescribed burning
  • Planting native grasses, food plots, trees and shrubs
  • Mowing and applying chemicals
  • Implementing new practices, long range planning
  • Timber stand improvement
• Provide assistance and information to the public and park visitors.
• Provide technical assistance on natural resource management techniques to landowners and organizations.
• Administer the department’s private land habitat program by:
  • Contacting and working with landowners to develop natural resource management strategies
  • Maintaining spray records and ensuring contract compliance
  • Compiling and presenting reports
• Operate and perform regular maintenance on trucks, tractors, and specialized equipment.
• Supervise temporary work crews and the Conservation Tech position.
• Develop and enhance working relationships with other public and private resource organizations.
• Develop and provide public information and workshops related to habitat and wildlife species.
• Attend relevant workshops and meetings related to natural resource management to stay informed of current trends and methods.
• Assist with the department’s Prescribed Fire program by keeping records, lining up training opportunities for staff and continuing to acquire Fire Certifications
• Assist in development of promotional and education material using both print and digital media.
• Seek grant program opportunities and write grant applications.
• Inspect, map, and certify land enrolled in Forest Reserve Program.
• Perform duties in rough terrain and in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• Work occasional weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and night shifts as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Experience, Abilities, and Skills

• Considerable knowledge of conservation principles and practices.
• Ability to identify trees, shrubs, flowers, fish, reptiles, birds and other wildlife common to Iowa.
• Extensive working knowledge of wildlife and habitat management goals, objectives, and techniques, ecological principles, and species’ life histories and habitat needs.
• Extensive knowledge and experience using prescribed fire.
• Extensive experience with hand and power tools, farm equipment and machinery.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
• Ability and willingness to speak publicly, give presentations, and teach various courses.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of civic and sportsman’s groups, other agencies, departmental staff and the general public.
• Ability to interpret and effectively apply policy, procedure, rules and regulations relative to conservation practices.
• Knowledge of, and willingness and ability to effectively use technology Arcview GIS and Pictometry.

Salary and Benefits

• Required 90 day probationary period.
• Standard county health and life insurance benefits as well as uniform allowance.
• FLSA status: Non Exempt

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or at least two (10+) years of natural resource or agriculture field experience.Special Certification Requirements:

Hardin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer