Natural Resource Aide

Story County, IA; Colo (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Story County, IA seeks a Natural Resource Aide to support native vegetation management, prairie reconstruction, and restoration efforts across county-owned natural areas. The role emphasizes collaboration with private landowners and conservation partners to implement the latest vegetation management practices.

Duties include planting native vegetation, conducting prescribed burns, controlling brush and invasive species, mowing, applying herbicides, and harvesting prairie seed.

Qualifications

• Experience working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• 18+ years old with a valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a pesticide applicator certificate within the first month.
• Knowledge of Iowa native flora and fauna preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plant native vegetation and maintain plantings.
• Conduct prescribed burns and brush/invasive species control.
• Mow areas, apply herbicides, and harvest prairie seed.
• Use chainsaws and maintain tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Perform general maintenance and interact with landowners and partners.
• Work with public and other county employees; some evenings/weekends may be required.

Job description

The position offers opportunities to Story County in implementing it's natural resource program. Major emphasis is on native vegetation management, reconstruction, and restoration in prairie remnants, and other natural areas. Assigned tasks will utilize the latest trends in natural resource and vegetation management. Opportunities exist to interact with private landowners and other conservation departments as well as attend workshops and seminars. The natural resource aide will plant native vegetation, conduct prescribed burns, control brush and invasive species, mow, and apply herbicide. Other tasks include: harvesting prairie seed, using chainsaws, maintaining tools, equipment, and facilities, and performing general maintenance. The natural resource aide must maintain working relationships with the public and other employees.Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a current, valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator's certificate within the first month of employment. Skills to understand and recognize Iowa's native flora and fauna are desired.

Employees will undergo a post-offer pre-employment driving record, background check, and drug screen. Work entails daily outdoor physical labor for extended periods of time in all weather conditions.

Additional Requirements

Provide own transportation to Hickory Grove Park and occasionally to work sites, purchase and wear OSHA approved safety-toed puncture resistant footwear, be available to work M-F between the hours of 7:00 – 3:30 with occasional evening and weekend duties.

E-VERIFY PROCESS

Story County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with Story County must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity.