Conservation Technician

This is a permanent, full-time position under the general direction of the Conservation Director. This position maintains parks, recreational trails, wildlife areas, and equipment.

Duties:

• Provides management on recreational trails by assessing condition of trails and making decisions on proper maintenance techniques so that the trail(s) are in usable conditions
• Plans/coordinates future trail projects and development
• Completes various tasks relating to the management of natural resource areas
• Performs park maintenance and operation work such as the repair or buildings, tables, fire rings, tools, equipment, and the maintenance of roads, trails, buildings, developed grounds, boat docks, restrooms, and water systems using various specialized hand and power tools
• Participates in facility improvement projects
• Safely operates grounds keeping equipment including: skid steer, tractor, sprayer, mower, trimmer, and chain saw
• Provides corrective and preventive maintenance and repairs on trucks, tractors, lawn mowers, and other department equipment
• Provides information on rules and regulations, and other services as requested to the public
• Patrols campgrounds on weekends, checks camper registrations, and cleans park facilities
• Assists in caring for trees and other vegetation in parks and recreational areas by controlling weeds and grasses using spraying equipment and herbicides
• Other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of operating power equipment associated with trail and park maintenance
• Carpentry and general building construction skills
• General ability to provide maintenance on asphalt and crushed limestone trail surfaces
• Ability to identify trees, prairie plants, and wildlife species
• Maintain effective working relationship with general public, employees, and other county officials
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Organizational skills related to scheduling work loads
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends, and holidays as needed

Essential Certification/Licenses:

• Certification as a commercial pesticide applicator or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire
• Possess valid drivers license. Possess a valid class A Commercial Drivers License or obtain one within six months of hire
• Possess NWCG (National Wildland Coordination Group) S130/S190 Certificate or obtain one within one year

Physical Demands and Typical Working Conditions:

• The incumbent must have the ability to lift and carry supplies or other tools and equipment weighing up to 75 lbs, without assistance, tolerate long periods of standing or sitting
• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This worker is subject to outside environmental conditions year around. This worker is subject to extreme cold and extreme heat. The worker is subject to noise and hazards including moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals; conditions that may include fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses or poor ventilation; oils.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Applicants subject to a post offer, pre-employment physical, drug test, and background check

Salary/Benefits: $15.86-$16.83/hr ($33,000-$35,000/year) based on qualifications. Uniform allowance and generous county benefit package is included. Benefits include: paid vacation, sick leave, health and life insurance, IPERS and more.