Natural Resource Manager

Definition & Duties

Knowledge of & Ability to

• Use of equipment and tools for construction and maintenance of prairies, woodlands, wetlands and outdoor recreation areas
• Repair and maintenance of equipment, tools, buildings, and grounds
• Use of pesticides
• Prairie, woodland and wetland management
• Iowa native flora and fauna
• Basic principles of supervision

Ability to:

• Operate specialized equipment and tools including tractors, mowers, chain saws, tree mover, seedling tree and shrub planter, brush/wood chipper, soil probe, dump truck, and tractor loader
• Use safe methods and direct safe work operations
• Identify native plants of Iowa
• Understand and follow written and verbal directions
• Select, train, motivate, and supervise staff
• Communicate with the public regarding forestry, prairie and wetland management
• Gather information from vegetation sites for deer management and compile data into reports
• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, and word processing
• Work in unfavorable weather conditions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public
• Adhere to agency policy and administrative directives
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Perform manual labor (moderate to heavy) for extended periods of time
• Lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 60 pounds
• Sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Have sufficient vision which permits light to moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials both in electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits light to moderate use of a keyboard
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county facilities and other locations

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Specific Duties

• Make recommendations regarding the management of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.
• Identify trees for removal on timber stand improvements.
• Assist in planning the establishment and maintenance of native plant communities.
• Develop and maintain tree, shrub, and prairie plant nurseries, and assist in the purchase of native plant material and seeds.
• Select, train, supervise, evaluate and discipline Natural Resource Management Specialist.
• Perform the duties of a crew leader on assigned work projects.
• Repair or remove damaged plant material.
• Apply pesticides to control unwanted plants.
• Perform landscape planting projects.
• Identify and delineate wetland plant communities.
• Compile, record and report information on native plant material for management.
• Conduct native plant material program for the public.
• Present reports to policy makers and management on native plant material and wildlife.
• Plan, conduct, and coordinate prescribed burns.
• Coordinate land management efforts such as native seed collection, plantings, and brush clearing by fellow employees and/or volunteers.
• Identify native wildlife and assist in the restoration or enhancement of wildlife habitat.
• Train employees in plant identification, pesticide application, and the operation of specified equipment.
• Assist in minor and major construction and maintenance projects as assigned such as buildings, fences, roads, parking lots, park fixtures, soil erosion structures and tree plantations.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.