Conservation Technician

Summary Description

This position performs related technical duties in the maintenance and enhancement of conservation properties, such as parks, trails, vehicles, buildings and equipment, inspecting properties and recommending maintenance and improvements to supervisors, assisting with special projects, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Operations Supervisor. Continuous oversight is exercised over seasonal personnel.

Starting salary range for this position is $24.84/hr - $29.53/hr depending on qualifications.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Plans and performs building, grounds and facility maintenance and repairs.
• Assists with hiring seasonal employees; acts as lead to temporary employees.
• Helps plan and develop habitat including food plots, nestings, and fish structures.
• Plants trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
• Conducts prescribed burns.
• Performs maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Performs vegetation management including but not limited to mowing, pruning, cutting and implementing timber stand improvements; uses chemical pesticides to maintain and upkeep foliage.

• Keeps current in safety and maintenance operations through attendance at meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Assists with special projects and outreach programs as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of natural resources management, ecology and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of the common practices, tools, terminology, and safety precautions for building, park, and equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge of the use and characteristics of common building and park equipment and tools, including trucks, tractors, mowers, brush chippers, chain saws, firefighting equipment, and power tools.
• Knowledge of county geography.
• Knowledge of natural resources conservation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs such as ArcGIS.
• Skill in the operation of grounds and facilities maintenance tools and equipment.
• Skill in analyzing situations and in developing solutions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of an associate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

E-VERIFY PROCESS:
Story County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with Story County must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity. Please be prepared to provide required documents on the first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-382-7200 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.

Physical & Environmental Characteristics

• The work is typically performed intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light (24 pounds or less) and occasionally heavy (25 pounds or more) objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.