Natural Resource Technician

HARDIN COUNTY CONSERVATION

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Natural Resource Technician

Position Description Summary:

This job is a non-exempt permanent full time position under the direction of the Conservation Director. The Natural Resource Technician performs a wide variety of professional, technical, and field duties including but not limited to; natural resource management, park and facility maintenance, and program administration.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree  in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or other applicable field; and at least two (2) years of natural resource field experience.

Special Certification Requirements: (Within 6 months of hiring)

Qualified applicants must possess, or be able to obtain the following certifications:

·         A valid Iowa Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.

·         A valid Iowa Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certification.

·         Minimum wild land fire training of NWCG S-130/190, S131, S290 certification.

·         Arc view GIS,  Pictometry, and GPS mapping.

Primary Job Responsibilities and Duties:

·         Develop and assess short and long term natural resource management strategies for the county’s parks and programs.

·         Apply natural resource management practices on both public and private land including, but not limited to:

o   Prescribed burning

o   Planting native grasses, food plots, trees and shrubs

o   Mowing and applying chemicals

o   Implementing new practices, long range planning

o   Timber stand improvement

·         Build, repair, and maintain park and conservation area facilities.

·         Perform general park maintenance tasks such as vegetation control and removing debris and refuse.

·         Report/repair safety hazards.

·         Provide assistance and information to the public and park visitors.

·         Provide technical assistance on natural resource management techniques to landowners and organizations.

·         Administer the department’s private land habitat program by:

o   Contacting and working with landowners to develop natural resource management strategies

o   Maintaining spray records and ensuring contract compliance

o   Compiling and presenting reports

·         Operate and perform regular maintenance on trucks, tractors, and specialized equipment.

·         Supervise temporary work crews and the Conservation Tech position.

·         Develop and enhance working relationships with other public and private resource organizations.

·         Develop and provide public information and workshops related to habitat and wildlife species.

·         Attend relevant workshops and meetings related to natural resource management to stay informed of current trends and methods.

·         Administer the department’s Prescribed Fire program by keeping records, lining up training opportunities for staff and continuing to acquire                Fire Certifications 

·         Assist in development of promotional and education material using both print and digital media.

·         Seek grant program opportunities and write grant applications.

·         Inspect, map, and certify land enrolled in Forest Reserve Program.

·         Perform duties in rough terrain and in extreme hot or cold temperatures.

·         Work occasional weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and night shifts as needed.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Experience, Abilities, and Skills:

·         Considerable knowledge of conservation principles and practices.

·         Ability to identify trees, shrubs, flowers, fish, reptiles, birds and other wildlife common to Iowa.

·         Extensive working knowledge of wildlife and habitat management goals, objectives, and techniques, ecological principles, and species’ life                 histories and habitat needs.

·         Extensive  knowledge and experience using prescribed fire.

·         Extensive experience with hand and power tools, farm equipment and machinery.

·         Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.

·         Ability and willingness to speak publicly, give presentations, and teach various courses.

·         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of civic and sportsman’s groups, other agencies, departmental staff and the general public.

·         Ability to interpret and effectively apply policy, procedure, rules and regulations relative to conservation practices.

·         Knowledge of, and willingness and ability to effectively use technology Arcview GIS and Pictometry.

Salary and Benefits:

·         $43,000.00-$45'000

·         Required 90 day probationary period.

·         Standard county health and life insurance benefits as well as uniform allowance.

·         FLSA status: Non Exempt