CONSERVATION LABORER - NATURAL RESOURCES (TRAIL MOWER)

Salary : $18.00 - $19.00 Hourly

Location : - Maxwell, IA

Job Type : Temporary / Seasonal

Job Number : C25-21S

Department : Polk County Conservation Board

Opening Date : 02 / 03 / 2025

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : N / A

Hours : TBD

Bargaining Unit : Not Applicable

Salary Grade : N / A

Location : Conservation Board

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.

This is a seasonal 40-hour-a-week position that will last for 6 months-starting at the end of April or the beginning of May 2025 for our summer season.

Illustrative Examples of Work

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

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

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.

Check with Polk County to determine if benefits are available.

D1) Do you currently have a valid Iowa Drivers License?

D5) Do you have the ability to obtain / maintain a valid Class A CDL driver's license issued by the State of Iowa with an airbrake and manual transmission endorsement?

P3} Do you have the ability to perform work involving the lifting and carrying of materials regularly? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

M3) We require a cover letter to be attached to your application. Have you attached your cover letter?

M2) We require a resume to be attached to your application. Have you attached your resume?

ED20) Do you have an Associate degree in (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

ED21) Do you have a four-year Bachelor's degree in : (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

E30) Do you have at least two years of experience in any of the following fields : SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

D4) Do you currently have a Class A CDL?

ED13) Do you currently hold an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator's Certification in Categories 2 (Forestry) and / or 6 (Right of Way)?

E20) Do you have the ability to operate vehicles and equipment with a manual transmission?

E29) Are you knowledgeable about tree maintenance, care, and removal techniques and methods?

E28) Are you knowledgeable in the care and planting of nursery stock?

ED15) Are you currently certified in First Aid and CPR?

E15) How many years of experience in native ecosystem restoration?

E19) Do you have the ability to operate the following equipment safely and professionally? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

M1) Are you 18 years of age or older?

P2} Check all statements you can physically do :

E6) How many years have you been professionally performing tree rigging / climbing?

ED6) Do you have a certification in chainsaw operation (IaDNR / Stihl / USFWS / etc.)?

E57) Years of experience operating chain saw?

D3) Do you have a clean driving record? (Select the option that applies)

E26) Are you knowledgeable in basic computer use, such as email, typing, using a mouse or touchpad, navigating to and around programs, and troubleshooting?

ED16) Do you have the ability to obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR?

ED10) Do you have the ability to obtain and maintain Wildland Firefighter Certification?

ED22) Do you currently hold Wildland Firefighter Certifications for S130 (Wildl and Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior)?

Required Question

Salary : $18 - $19