What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Laborer Natural Resources position at Polk County?
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.
Weekend work required—one day per week.
Primary work locations will be all downtown sites managed by Polk County Conservation, including Lauridsen Skatepark, all ICON sites, and Two Rivers Park.
• Two Rivers Park will be opening in 2025
• ICON sites scheduled to begin opening in 2026
Parks maintenance duties will also be required to be completed regularly, including cleaning of facilities, trash removal, and other tasks along with regular Natural Resources laborer duties.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Part-Time Positions:
- A criminal background check is required.
- A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
- Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
- A drug screen is required.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
- A valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license is required within twelve months of hire.
On-Call and Seasonal Position:
- A criminal background check is required.
- A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.
Salary : $18 - $19
