Natural Resource Tech

DESCRIPTION: The Conservation Department has a permanent full time position open, the Natural Resource Tech will assist the Executive Director and the Natural Resource Manager with all aspects of Hardin County native lands management.  The Conservation Tech will perform a wide variety of professional, technical, and field duties.  These duties include assisting in all aspects of managing natural resources including parks, prairie restoration/management, timber management, wetland management, prescribed fire. Equipment operation and maintenance, maintaining records, writing grants. Prescribed fire duties include assisting crews on prescribed burns and helping maintain all aspects of the conservation boards prescribed fire program. Aside from resource duties this individual will be assigned to work on other conservation properties and projects.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Assists in the maintenance and management of parks, wildlife areas, and other assigned areas *Ability to work with minimal direct supervision. *Assists in controlled burns and organizing burn crews at appropriate sites taking into consideration weather and safety. Helps maintain all fire equipment and gear * Assists when needed on parks maintenance projects.  *Develop and implement strategies for dealing with Invasive species and weeds in conservation areas * Assist in development of promotional and educational material* Operate heavy equipment to perform resource work.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS:  * Ability to apply knowledge and common sense to achieve work objectives.  * Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.  *Thorough seeding knowledge of prairie grass and forb seed, prescribed fire and using fire to meet habitat management goals, objectives, and techniques. * Able to operate heavy farm equipment, 4-wheel drive ATV, ton truck, power tools.  * Able to identify prairie plants and weed species.  * Able to complete needed reports and correspondence in a timely manner. * Able to walk through rough terrain and work out-of-doors in extreme hot or cold temperatures, ability to lift 75 pounds routinely.  * Able to train and supervise other seasonal employees.  * Able to obtain Iowa drivers license and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  Able to obtain Pesticide Applicators Permit for Iowa with endorsements. Complete Wildland Fire courses S130, S190 and be able to complete S131 and S290 within a year. * Able to adapt to a variety of job situations involving long hours, (occasional weekends) hazardous conditions.   Thorough Working Knowledge of seeding rates, chemical application.  * Able to plan and prioritize work.  * Knowledge of personal computer programs including Word, Excel, CAD and ArcView.  BENEFITS:  * Uniforms * Comprehensive Health and Dental Insurance * Life Insurance * Paid Holidays * Vacation Leave * Sick Leave

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associates degree or a  Bachelor’s Degree in wildlife biology, ecology, forestry, agriculture or closely related subjects and at least 2 seasons of job related experience.