Back to News

Now Hiring Naturalist Technician

JUN 09, 2025

Apply now! Pay starting at $47,600 with benefits

Position: Naturalist Technician                                           Reports to: Env. Ed. Coordinator and Ops. Sup

Department: Conservation                                                

FLSA: Non-Exempt                                                              Revision Date: May 2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

General Summary

This position is a full time/permanent position. Employee works 40 hours per week and receives benefits. Vehicles for transportation on the job are provided as well as tools, personal protective equipment, and a uniform allowance. This position is based out of the Louisa County Conservation Office, in Wapello, Iowa. May be required to work weekends, overnight, and/or evenings.

Primary duties are to assist the Environmental Education Coordinator and the Operation Supervisor during different times of the year with educational and interpretive programming, as well as with natural resources management and maintenance of the Louisa County Conservation parks and wildlife areas. Also works with other staff including the Director and Office Manager.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position, but other duties may be required and/or assigned as needed.

Planning and Presenting Environmental Education Programs

• Plan, promote and present conservation, recreation and environmental education programs to the public, schools, and other groups.

Design and Creativity

• Design interpretive and promotional displays and exhibits.

Administrative

• Grant writing and budgeting
• Assist the other Naturalist in supervision of seasonal EE staff, including evaluations
• Assist with supervising seasonal maintenance employees as needed, including evaluations

Natural Resources and Habitat Management

• Promote prescribed fire as a management tool for habitat improvement
• Plant wildlife food plots in parks and wildlife areas

Maintenance of Buildings, Parks, and Wildlife Areas

• Assist with mowing, string trimming and weeding
• Trail maintenance including building, mowing, erosion control, and trimming
• Assist with development of areas and capital improvement projects
• Perform routine & preventative maintenance on equipment and facilities

Other

• Assist other board staff as needed and directed by the Executive Director
• Represent the Conservation Board with good public relations efforts as well as plan and implement fund-raising relative to the environmental education program
• Attend training workshops, safety trainings and other continuing education as requested
• Work to strengthen relationships and partnerships with other like-minded agencies including the local Iowa DNR, US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation and County Conservation Boards

 

Entry Level Requirements

Graduation from a two-year college program with major coursework in natural resources, education, or related fields.

·         One year of experience in natural resource management or education desirable. Additional experience in public speaking, budget administration, human resources and planning helpful

• Experience in the natural resource field and/or park management desirable with knowledge of plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and wildlife habitat management
• Experience or training in the use and maintenance of a variety of equipment required such as tractors, skid steer, UTV, chain saws and prescribed fire engines and equipment

·         Valid motor vehicle operator’s license required and ability to obtain a class D-3 chauffer’s license

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Physical Demands

• Capacity to use feet and legs to go over a variety of landscapes and through steep or rough terrain

• Ability to demonstrate outdoor skills such as canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, etc.
• Ability to use hands to manipulate hand tools, power tools, and chain saws.
• Ability to operate, or learn to operate vehicles and machinery including trucks, tractors, planters, various types of mowers, UTV’s, and other vehicles/equipment on a regular basis
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, bend, carry equipment, and climb ladders

Cognitive Demands

• Requires creativity, enthusiasm, good judgment, initiative, flexibility, poise, sense of humor, willingness to grow professionally, and stay current in the field
• Familiarity with arts relevant to nature interpretation, with a certain degree of proficiency in arts and crafts
• Ability to establish and evaluate long and short-term goals and advanced knowledge of nature field ID, ecology, conservation principles and practices, outdoor skills, and the environment
• Ability to develop curricula using an understanding of teaching methods and learning styles
• Ability to speak in panel and committee discussions and speak before audiences with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English to all age groups and target audiences
• Proficient in the use of computers, cameras, and other media-related tools
• Proficient in basic mathematics and writing including proper formatting, punctuation, grammar, and spelling

Environmental Adaptability

• Primarily work outdoors throughout the year (75% of the time)
• Potential for contact with stinging insects, poison ivy, and other allergens is high

• Potential for personal injury due to occupational/environmental hazards is low to moderate
• Requires extensive interaction with the general public and governmental agencies and may be stressful when meeting deadlines and making abrupt changes in priorities

Pre-Employment Screening

• Offers of employment are pending successful completion of the pre-employment screening and background checks