Natural Resource Technician
Back to Job List| Posted | 07/14/2026 |
|---|---|
| County | Hardin |
| Location | Ackley , Iowa |
| Salary | Starting $45'000- $48,000 |
Description
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;, or at least two (10 +) years of natural resource field experience or agricultural work.
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 (within a year)
Primary Job Responsibilities and Duties:
· Develop and assess short and long term natural resource management strategies for the county’s parks and wildlife areas's
· 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
· 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.
· Assist with 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:
· $45,000.00-$48'000
· Required 90 day probationary period.
· Standard county health and life insurance benefits as well as uniform allowance.
· FLSA status: Non Exempt
Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or at least two (10+) years of natural resource or agriculture field experience. Special Certification Requirements:
To Apply
Send email with cover letter, resume, references and an official Hardin County Application to Wes Wiese, Director to wwiese@hardincountyia.gov (Hardin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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