Natural Resource Technician

My County Parks; Ackley (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Hardin County is seeking a Natural Resource Technician to perform a broad range of field, technical and program administration tasks under the Conservation Director. Responsibilities include resource management planning, habitat improvements, public outreach, and coordination with landowners.

The role requires education in wildlife/forestry/agriculture or extensive field experience, plus certifications within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or related field, or 10+ years field experience.
• Experience with natural resource management practices and park/landowner collaboration.
• Ability to identify local flora and fauna and apply conservation techniques.
• Willingness to obtain required certifications within specified timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess short- and long-term natural resource management strategies for county parks and wildlife areas.
• Apply management practices on public lands including prescribed burning, planting native vegetation, mowing and chemical application.
• Provide information to the public and park visitors; assist landowners and organizations on management techniques.
• Administer private land habitat program; coordinate with landowners and maintain spray records.
• Operate maintenance on trucks, tractors and equipment; supervise temporary staff.
• Develop relationships with public/private resource organizations and present reports.

Skills

Conservation principles

Wildlife identification

Public speaking

Equipment operation

ArcView GIS

Pictometry

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate in wildlife, forestry, agriculture

10+ years natural resource field experience

Tools

ArcView GIS

Pictometry

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 natural resource management, park and facility maintenance, and program administration.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or other applicable field, or at least 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.
• 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.

Hardin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.