Park Technician

My County Parks; Indianola (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

Warren County Conservation Board in Indianola, IA, seeks a Park Technician to maintain parks, facilities, grounds, and trails under general supervision. You will lead seasonal staff and ensure safety and compliance.

Responsibilities include lawn care, snow removal, building and equipment upkeep, record-keeping, and assisting with prescribed fire operations. A four-year or two-year conservation degree with experience is preferred; certifications required within 12 months; valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college with major coursework relevant to conservation; or graduation from a two-year college with major coursework relevant to conservation and two years of experience in a related field.
• Must obtain prescribed fire certificate S-130/190, CPR/First Aid, and Pesticide Applicator within 12 months of hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to reach work sites across Warren County.
• Experience with lawn mowers, tractors, trailers, power tools, and hand tools.
• Knowledge of park management practices; carpentry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal employees across WCCB areas.
• Perform maintenance of park buildings, equipment, and facilities.
• Keep records of chemical applications, inspections, and repairs.
• Provide lawn care and mowing aligned with conservation practices.
• Assist with prescribed fire operations for prairie and forest management.
• Operate heavy equipment and power tools and ensure safety protocols.
• Maintain a safe, cooperative work environment with park users.

Skills

Team leadership

Safety practices

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Prescribed fire knowledge

Education

Bachelor/Associate degree in conservation

Two years related experience

Tools

Lawn mowers

Trailers

Power tools

Carpentry

Framing/roofing

Job description

Under general supervision, the Park Technician provides maintenance and upkeep for all facilities, grounds, and trails operated and managed by the Warren County Conservation Board. Work may be performed with limited supervision, but a supervisor may regularly check for conformance with periodic inspections. High-quality teamwork and communication are required while performing all tasks.

Essential Functions

• Must be capable of regular attendance at the maintenance shop located at the Annett Nature Center Park, Indianola, Iowa.
• Lead the work of seasonal employees engaged in various operations and maintenance tasks in all WCCB areas.
• Provides input on and implements maintenance of department programs, to enhance existing or new park recreational resources.
• Perform sight inspections and repairs on park buildings and equipment to ensure safety and compliance.
• Keep detailed records of chemical application, inspections, and repairs.
• Responsible for cleaning and repairing both indoor and outdoor facilities.
• Provide lawn care and mowing services that align with conservation practices on WCCB properties.
• Provide snow removal on a seasonal basis.
• Help maintain all equipment, vehicles, and facilities assigned to Warren County Conservation.
• Operate various types of heavy construction and maintenance equipment, specialized equipment, trailers, power and hand tools.
• Assists WCCB staff with prescribed fire operations for prairie and forest management.
• Performs duties in line with county and department policies, with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and communication.
• All other duties as assigned by Park Superintendent and Director.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Graduation from a four-year college with major coursework relevant to conservation; or graduation from a two-year college with major coursework relevant to conservation and two years of experience in a related field.
• Must possess the following certifications within 12 months of hire: 1) prescribed fire certificate: S-130/190, 2) CPR/First Aid, and 3) Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• The applicant must have the ability to get to and from the work sites throughout Warren County and possess a current valid driver’s license.
• Experience with lawn mowers, tractors, trailers, power tools, and hand tools.
• Knowledge of park management practices and techniques.
• Experience with framing, roofing, and/or carpentry trades, preferred.
• Knowledge of all safety procedures necessary while using machinery, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to interact with and react to park users and other citizens in a positive manner.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply common sense understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read equipment manuals, training programs, and/or building blueprints.
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to manage stress with large volume of field work.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time. Must have the ability to lift, pull, push, and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal with occasional periods where the noise level may require hearing protection, such as the use of power tools. There are periods when exposure to the outside elements will be necessary to accomplish the needs of the department. This position is mostly field oriented, with minor office environment exposure.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave, accumulated separately
• 10 paid holidays designated by the county
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Deferred compensation program
• Personal Protective Equipment, separate from uniform allowance

Nondiscrimination and Affiatative Action

Warren County complies with all federal and state laws, regulations, and orders, and the policies of the governing boards, which pertain to nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Warren County will provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by state and federal non-discrimination, Equal Employment and affirmative action statutes and regulations. Warren County does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or military veteran status in its employment policies and practices.

Qualifications

Graduation from a four-year college with major coursework relevant to conservation; or graduation from a two-year college with major coursework relevant to conservation and two years of experience in a related field.