Natural Resource Management Technician

Definition & Duties

Under general supervision of the Natural Resource Manager, perform work in the establishment, enhancement, and care of Iowa native plants and outdoor recreation facilities of the Johnson County Conservation Board.

Knowledge of & Ability to

•  Pesticides such as insecticides and herbicides
• Prairie, woodland, and wetland management
• Iowa native and non-native flora and fauna
• Tree and shrub planting, trimming, removal
• Chemicals and methods for the maintenance of shrubs and trees
• Native trees, shrubs, and grasses of Iowa and non-native invasive species
• Landscaping and hardscaping principles
• Equipment and vehicle operation and preventative maintenance
• Facilities and grounds care maintenance standards, safety standards, mowing equipment maintenance and repair of equipment
• English language to include basic grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary 

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Operate equipment and tools required on the job (including mowers, tractors, chain saws, tree mover, seedling tree and shrub planter, wood chipper, trimmer, stumper, tree spade, dump truck, tractor loader, skid loader, wheel tractor, small snow plow, etc.) in a safe and effective manner
• Keep accurate records and prepare reports
• Communicate effectively with the public regarding forestry, prairie and wetland management
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other agencies and members of the public
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing biases
• Perform equipment maintenance and repairs
• Perform basic building maintenance
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, email and the Internet
• Perform moderately heavy manual labor for extended periods
• Work outside in inclement weather on field projects
• Handle low to moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Routinely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 pounds
• Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl
• Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits operation of needed tools and equipment, production and review of a wide variety of materials both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits use of a keyboard, mouse and hand tools
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work
• Lead seasonal workers
• Work on weekends and holidays as necessary

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent AND at least six months of related experience OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work.  Associates degree in conservation management, biology, botany, or related natural sciences preferred.

Special requirements:

Must pass background check.  Valid Class A CDL and insurable under county liability coverage. Obtain certification in National Wildland Firefighter Coordination training S-130 and S-190 within six months of hire.  Iowa Department of Agriculture Applicator Pesticide Certification, as required for Forestry and Right- of-Way or the ability to attain certification within one year of hire.

Specific Duties

 To be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Assist in the upkeep of woodlands, prairies and wetlands
• Assist in planning and management of the establishment and maintenance of native plant communities
• Apply pesticides
• Repair or remove storm damaged plant material
• Perform landscape planting projects
• Assist in performing native plant material burns
• Perform equipment preventative maintenance and minor repairs
• Prune, remove and plant trees and shrubs
• Identify trees and shrubs for removal on timber stand improvements and forestry-related projects
• Clean public use buildings, e.g. wash walls, clean shop, etc.
• Train seasonal employees in the safe operation of specified equipment, hand tools and landscaping techniques
• Assist in minor and major construction and maintenance projects such as fences, roads, signage, wetlands, ponds, soil erosion structures and tree plantations
• Recondition park facilities
• Serve as crew leader as necessary
• Mow grounds and maintain mowing equipment
• Interpret maps and complete related reports
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with Conservation Board policies, procedures and safety practices
• Attend work regularly at designated place and time

Resume and Cover Letter MUST be attached to online application. 

Phone 319-356-6003

Website https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/

Employee Benefits

 The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.

Compensation

Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.

Vacation

• During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks
• During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks
• During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks
• During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks

Holidays

12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Juneteenth
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day and day after
• Christmas
• Floating Christmas holiday

Sick Leave

 Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.

Parental Leave

A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.

Wellness Program

Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.

Health Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan
• PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family
• Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112.00/month.

Dental Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Vision Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Flexible Spending

Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance

 Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D.  Max covered salary $100,000.

*Supplemental Life Insurance

The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.

Long-Term Disability

 Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.

IPERS

 Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.

Deferred Compensation (457)

A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to $40/biweekly, and employees are vested on day 1.

Discounted Bus Pass

 Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.

Johnson County is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.

Women, minorities and elderly are encouraged to apply.