What are the responsibilities and job description for the CONSERVATION LABORER - NATURAL RESOURCES (TRAIL MOWER) position at Polk County, IA?
Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and laborer duties within the Conservation department; performs related work as assigned.
This position will primarily assist with mowing projects on the county-wide hard surface trail system managed by Polk County Conservation.
- Must be comfortable with mid-sized tractors and their operation.
- Must have the willingness to learn the use of a boom mower; or have previous experience with their operation.
- The successful applicant must be cognizant of and yield to trail users and be willing to adhere to all safety measures to ensure the safe and free use of trails and trail amenities.
Illustrative Examples of Work
- Assists full-time staff with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain a county park system.
- Assists in the application of chemicals; assists with prescribing fire, invasive species control, prairie seed harvest and processing, and timber stand improvement duties.
- Participates in the care of trees, shrubs, and other plants. Clears brush, and removes invasive species.
- Assists with minor equipment repair and maintenance.
- Maintains and operates equipment such as hand tools, power tools, pick-ups, sprayers, tractors, utility vehicles, gators, mowers, and pressure washers.
- Assists in the maintenance of trails.
- Completes forms as necessary.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- General knowledge of the techniques and methods used in tree maintenance, care and removal.
- Knowledge in the care and planting of nursery stock.
- Knowledge and use of hand and power tools in performing manual labor tasks.
- Knowledge in the mixing and application of herbicides is preferred.
- Knowledge of the principles of prescribed fire is preferred.
- Knowledge of the principles of native prairie, woodland, and wetland management is preferred.
- Skill in the safe use and maintenance of outdoor power equipment (mowers, trimmers, sprayers, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.)
- Ability to perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.
- Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods.
- Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to back equipment with a trailer attached.
Training and Experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
- Experience with operation of outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, sprayers, brush cutters, and blowers is preferred, or
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Pesticide Applicator’s License per Iowa Code Section 206.6 is preferred.
