What are the responsibilities and job description for the NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICIAN position at Polk County?
Under general supervision, performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and laborer related to grounds keeping, landscaping, forestry, and maintenance of buildings, facilities, equipment within the Natural Resource division; assists in implementation of natural resources management programs involving protection, restoration, enhancement and conservation of biological, water, and land resources for the Polk County Park system; performs other duties as required to maintain/enhance the appearance and quality of Polk County parks.
- Performs a variety of tasks in connection with the operation/maintenance of green infrastructure within the county park system including but not limited to tree maintenance, invasive specie removal, prairie planting, wetland restoration, grounds keeping and the use of prescribed fire.
- Prunes, removes dead and/or diseased trees and dangerous limbs using modern tree maintenance equipment; cuts and trims grass, trees and shrubs using hand and power tools; cuts/splits firewood.
- Performs chemical applications of pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers for control of noxious weeds, invasive species, insects diseases problems and broad-based weed control within PCC areas; participates in the planting /maintenance of trees and shrubs, prairies, woodlands on county owned property.
- Performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled jobs including the repair/maintenance of buildings, facilities, and equipment, operates equipment used in modern tree maintenance, invasive specie removal, prairie planting, and prescribe fire including lift trucks, boom trucks, chippers, chain saws, stumpers, sprayers, mowers, and tractors; performs routine preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as checking oil, transmission fluid, and general operating condition.
- Depending upon area of assignment, may participate in field/survey work which involves fisheries, wildlife, botanical, and wetland resources; may assist in the enhancement/development of wildlife habitat including constructing traps/nesting structures; may facilitate controlled hunting/refuge programs; may assist with prairie and wetlands restoration/ enhancement; may monitor/survey condition of natural resources for various parks.
- Participates in, the planning, coordination, scheduling, and performs the maintenance, repair, and care of park grounds, buildings, and equipment including mowed and non-mowed areas; assures that grounds are safe/well maintained.
- Monitors/evaluates ground/premises to identify maintenance projects/safety hazards; takes immediate action in reporting/correcting any possible hazards.
- Effectively recommends personnel actions related to selection, performance review, and work schedules/assignments in planning and directing the work of seasonal workers/volunteers.
- Prepares/maintains records/reports including preventative maintenance records, daily work order activity, spray records and equipment/supply inventories.
- Maintains clean, organized, safe working conditions in shops, break-rooms, offices, and all associated work sites; maintains cleanliness of park grounds; hauls refuse.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of the techniques and methods used in modern tree maintenance, care and removal, wildlife management, wetland/prairie restoration and re-vegetation, and invasive specie removal.
- Knowledge of the standard methods, practices, tools and materials used in the landscape construction trades.
- Knowledge in the care and planting of nursery stock.
- Knowledge of principles of natural science as related to natural resources management.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to park maintenance and natural resource management.
- Knowledge in the operation of equipment used tree maintenance, invasive specie removal, prairie planting, wetland restoration, landscaping, and prescribed fire, i.e. lift truck, boom truck, chipper, stumper, sprayers, forestry mowers & shears, tractors, skid steers, mowers.
- Knowledge of the hazards present and safety precautions necessary in building, grounds maintenance and forestry work.
- Basic keyboarding skills.
- Ability to recognize tree hazards.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Ability to plan/layout in proper sequence the tasks required to complete a work project.
- Ability to provide guidance, direction, and instructions to seasonal workers/volunteers.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations.
- Ability to lift and carry materials and tools weighing up to 60 lbs and physically transport across rough uneven terrain to remote sites up to ¼ mile from walks/roads.
- Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, or other irregular hours.
- Ability to perform heavy and varied manual tasks under any type of weather conditions.
- Ability to stoop, bend, twist, squat, kneel, push, pull, and reach.
- Ability to perform tree rigging/climbing.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and resource program data.
- Ability to operate personal computer.
- Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, and the general public.
- Ability to work effectively in a Team environment.
- Ability to obtain/maintain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License issued by the State of Iowa.
- Ability to obtain certification in operation of forklifts.
- Bachelors degree in natural resource management, biological sciences, botany, wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, landscaping or related field, or
- Associate of Arts degree in natural resource management, biological sciences, botany, wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, landscaping or related field, and
- Two years experience in park maintenance, forestry, or natural resource management, or
- Any combination of training and experience that will provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Special Requirements
- A criminal background check is required.
- A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
- Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
- A valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license is required within twelve months of hire. CDL training will be sponsored by Polk County Conservation.
- Certification in the operation of forklifts is required within six months of hire.
- Candidate must obtain a Pesticide Applicator License within twelve months of hire.
- Candidate must obtain a Wild Land Firefighter Certificate within six months of hire.
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 : $60,475 - $81,641
