Natural Resource Technician

My County Parks; Milford (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Dickinson County Conservation is seeking a Natural Resources Technician to perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and labor tasks across groundskeeping, forestry, and building upkeep within the Natural Resource division. You will support protection, restoration, and conservation efforts across Dickinson County parks.

Responsibilities include tree work, invasive species removal, prairie planting, wetland restoration, pesticide applications, and equipment operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in natural resource management, biology, botany, wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, landscaping or related field.
• Criminal background check required; must be able to obtain Certified Pesticide Applicators in categories 1A, 2, 3OT, 5, 6; S-130 and S-190 certifications.
• Ability to lift/carry materials up to 60 lbs and work in varied weather.
• Knowledge of park maintenance and natural resource management regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and operation of green infrastructure in the county park system.
• Prune and remove trees; control invasive species and plant prairies and woodlands.
• Perform pesticide applications for noxious weeds and pests; maintain records of spray activities.
• Operate and maintain equipment for tree maintenance, restoration, and prescribed fire; conduct routine vehicle maintenance.
• Plan and coordinate park grounds, buildings, and equipment maintenance; ensure safety and cleanliness of sites.

Skills

Tree maintenance

Invasive species removal

Prairie planting

Wetland restoration

Grounds keeping

Prescribed fire

Record keeping

Team work

Safety compliance

Equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's or Associate degree in natural resource management or related field

Tools

Lift trucks

Boom trucks

Chippers

Stumpers

Sprayers

Forestry mowers

Shears

Job description

DICKINSON COUNTYCONSERVATION POSITIONNATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICIAN

Under generalsupervision of the Natural Resource Manager, performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance andlaborer related to grounds keeping, landscaping, forestry, and maintenance ofbuildings, facilities, equipment within the Natural Resource division; assistsin implementation of natural resources management programs involvingprotection, restoration, enhancement and conservation of biological, water, andland resources for the Dickinson County Conservation areas.

Illustrative Examples of Duties:Performs a variety of tasks inconnection with the operation/maintenance of green infrastructure within thecounty park system including but not limited to tree maintenance, invasivespecie removal, prairie planting, wetland restoration, grounds keeping and theuse of prescribed fire.Prunes, removes dead and/or diseasedtrees and dangerous limbs using modern tree maintenance equipment; cuts andtrims grass, trees and shrubs using hand and power tools; cuts/splits firewood.

Performschemical applications of pesticides,weed killers, and fertilizers for control of noxious weeds, invasive species,insects diseases problems and broad-based weed control within DCCB areas; participatesin the planting /maintenance of trees and shrubs, prairies, woodlands on countyowned property.Performs a variety of skilled andsemi-skilled jobs including the repair/maintenance of buildings, facilities,and equipment, operates equipment used in modern tree maintenance, invasive specieremoval, prairie planting, and prescribe fire including lift trucks, boomtrucks, chippers, chain saws, stumpers, sprayers, mowers, and tractors; performsroutine preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as checkingoil, transmission fluid, and general operating condition.

Participates in, the planning, coordination,scheduling, and performs the maintenance, repair, and care of park grounds, buildings,and equipment including mowed and non-mowed areas; assures that grounds aresafe/well maintained.Monitors/evaluates ground/premises toidentify maintenance projects/safety hazards; takes immediate action inreporting/correcting any possible hazards.

Prepares/maintains records/reportsincluding preventative maintenance records, daily work order activity, sprayrecords and equipment/supply inventories.Maintains clean, organized, safe workingconditions in shops, break-rooms, offices, and all associated work sites;maintains cleanliness of park grounds; hauls refuse.Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, andAbilities:Knowledgeof the techniques and methods used in modern tree maintenance, care and removal,wildlife management, wetland/prairie restoration and re-vegetation, and invasivespecie removal.Knowledgeof the standard methods, practices, tools and materials used in the landscapeconstruction trades.Knowledge in the care and planting of nursery stock.Knowledgeof principles of natural science as related to natural resources management.Knowledgeof local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to park maintenance andnatural resource management.Knowledgein the operation of equipment used tree maintenance, invasive specie removal,prairie planting, wetland restoration, landscaping, and prescribed fire, i.e.lift truck, boom truck, chipper, stumper, sprayers, forestry mowers &shears, tractors, skid steers, mowers.Knowledge of the hazards present and safety precautions necessary in building,grounds maintenance and forestry work.Basic keyboarding skills.Ability to recognize tree hazards.Abilityto understand and follow oral and written directions. Abilityto plan/layout in proper sequence the tasks required to complete a work project.Abilityto provide guidance, direction, and instructions to seasonal workers/volunteers.Abilityto respond to emergency situations.Abilityto lift and carry materials and tools weighing up to 60 lbs and physicallytransport across rough uneven terrain to remote sites up to ¼ mile fromwalks/roads.Abilityto work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, or other irregular hours.Abilityto perform heavy and varied manual tasks under any type of weather conditions.Abilityto stoop, bend, twist, squat, kneel, push, pull, and reach. Abilityto maintain accurate records and resource program data.Ability to operate personal computer.Abilityto establish/maintain effective working relationships with co-workers,representatives of other organizations, volunteers, and the general public.Abilityto work effectively in a Team environment.

Special Requirement: A criminal background check is required. Must be able to obtain/maintain Certified Pesticide Applicators, in one or more of the following Categories 1A, 2, 3OT, 5, 6. Must be able to obtain S-130 and S-190.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Associate degree in natural resource management, biological sciences, botany, wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, landscaping or related field.