Conservation / Trail Technician

Will assist with all aspects of development, maintenance, and resource management of Winneshiek County parks, trails, wildlife areas, preserves, and programming for Winneshiek County residents and other visitors. This position will also be responsible for land and water trail maintenance and management. Full-time, permanent position under the supervision of the Executive Director and Natural Resource Manager. Detailed job description can be found at www.winneshiekwild.com/jobs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains all land and water trail systems throughout Winneshiek County.
• Assists in the operation, planning, and development of the Winneshiek County park and trail systems.
• Assists with all aspects of park maintenance, including grounds, building, minor trail/road repairs, and snow removal.
• Assists in administrative work developing recreational trails, serving as backup for administrative staff, and related work as apparent or assigned.
• Performs ground maintenance work including, but not limited to, mowing, cutting brush, hauling gravel and garbage; grading, sanding, and plowing roads; making minor repairs to roads and trails; cleaning shelters, pit toilets, restroom/shower facility, and nature center.
• Safely operates equipment including trucks, tractors, UTVs, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, power and hand tools, etc.
• Assists with monitoring/evaluating County-owned properties to ensure they are safe/well maintained; identifies and recommends the placement of plants, trees, and native vegetation.
• Assists specialized natural resource projects such as; prescribed fire burns, timber stand improvement, wildlife habitat improvement, fishery habitat, reforestation, prairie rehabilitation, wetland restoration, enhancing trails and public access, implementing erosion control methods, control and removal of invasive species, hazardous material handling and pesticide application.
• Assists in the management of all forested land in the park system to include proper cutting, pruning, and thinning of trees, ordering seedlings, controlling, and directing plantings, and detecting insects or diseases.
• Monitors application of pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.  Monitors areas for invasive species and implements appropriate eradication and control methods.
• Provides input into annual operating budget including, but not limited to: securing quotes and development of individual project budgets, researching and recommending potential grant or funding opportunities, and monitoring projects and daily operations for fiscal responsibility throughout the year.
• Provides supervision of seasonal staff and volunteers including, but not limited to: monitors performance, provides orientation and training, and conducts performance appraisal evaluations.
• Maintains trail signage inventory and assists with the trail safety program. 
• Assists in preparing, maintaining records/reports, including herbicide application, prescribed fire, ongoing restoration projects, and supply inventories.
• Assists with public relations activities including, but not limited to: providing information to the general public, making personal appearances at club meetings, and coordinating the efforts of citizen support groups.
• Assists with park maintenance, resource management and environmental education programming work and related work as apparent or assigned.
• Performs other duties as necessary and/or assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in conservation, natural resources, or a related natural science field is required. 
• Minimum of one (1) year practical work experience in the above or a related field. 

Special Requirement: Must possess or be able to acquire within 6 months.

• Valid Iowa Driver’s License (Class D3) and Commercial (CDL Class A)
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• S130/S190 Wildland Fire

To Apply

Submit a Winneshiek County Application, a cover letter, and a resume with three references to

Barbara Schroeder, Director
Winneshiek County Conservation
2546 Lake Meyer Road
Fort Atkinson, IA  52144
director@winneshiekwild.com