Natural Areas Management Seasonal Technician
Summary
Pottawattamie County Conservation is announcing the hiring for their Natural Areas Management Seasonal Technician Position.The Natural Areas Management seasonal technician position operates from August through mid-November
Individuals in this position are responsible for assisting the Natural Resource Specialist and/or the Natural Resource Technicians with the management of assigned County parks and/or properties in accordance with Conservation Board policies, state laws, and standard conservation practices. Duties include but not limited to tree and brush removal using chainsaws, brush cutters, other machinery, and hand labor; invasive species control using herbicide, hand labor, and other tools; implementation of prescribed fire as part of a crew; trail maintenance and sustainability; fence construction and removal; native seed collection by hand labor or machine. Work duties are generally performed outdoors and in inclement weather. Job duties require a considerable amount of physical activity, including walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing.
This position may assist at Pottawattamie County, Iowa, park and recreation areas:
Arrowhead Park, Narrows River Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, Botna Bend Park, Old Town Park, Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area, Crescent Wildlife Area, Pheasants Forever Habitat Area, Wheeler Grove Conservation Area and other smaller areas and other duties as assigned.
Headquarters based at Hitchcock Nature Center
Non-standard workweek that will include holidays, evenings and weekends. Professionalism and good public relations are essential, as is time management. Job performance evaluations will be completed.
Housing may be available.
Essential Functions
Assist with the management of county parks including ecological restoration, habitat management, general maintenance and public relations.
Assist with implementation of prescribed fire.
Perform road and trail maintenance duties such as storm clean-up, tree cutting, erosion control, blading and filling holes.
Perform routine building maintenance and clean work area on a daily basis.
Assist with facilities construction and improvements.
Assist with the development and presentation of educational programs, projects, and events that promote conservation ethics, and natural resource appreciation.
Perform other functions as directed or as the situation dictates.
Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability
General knowledge of and/or ability to learn principles of conservation, wildlife, and fish management and natural resource preservation.
General knowledge and/or ability to learn the safe operation and maintenance of both manual and power tools and equipment used in maintenance and repair tasks.
General knowledge of routine maintenance and repair to equipment, grounds, and facilities.
General knowledge of various outdoor recreational activities, such as boating, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and canoeing.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, various civic organizations, and the general public.
General knowledge of and/or ability to learn plant identification (grasses, forbs, trees, and invasive species).
General knowledge of and/or ability to learn proficiency with chainsaw operations, tree felling and safety.
Ability to work in a variety of extreme environments (inclement weather, extreme temperatures, hazardous terrain, brambles, insects, full sun, etc.).
Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Be willing to become a certified wildland firefighter (S-130/190).
Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses
Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain it throughout the course of employment. Must have a good driving record.
The incumbent cannot have been convicted of a felony in the past 2 years.
A degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or any related field is preferred.
CPR and basic first aid certification is preferred.
