Seasonal Conservation Aide

Plymouth County Conservation Position Description

Seasonal Conservation Aide

General Description: This is a seasonal laborer position. The person in this position will perform simple and complex tasks associated with the operation, enhancement and maintenance of land, facilities and equipment at conservation areas in Plymouth County, Iowa.

Organization: The person in this position reports directly to the Resource Manager, Park Technician and/or Park Ranger and is responsible to them for carrying out duties in a safe and timely manner. May also be supervised by Interpretive Naturalist or Conservation Director.

Essential Functions:

• Provides custodial services to all outer area park restrooms, buildings, and facilities; and assures they are clean, operable, and adequately stocked.

• Operates commercial size turf mowers to maintain park turf areas at desired level.

• Operates gas powered string trimmers to trim around trees and park improvements.

• Operates chainsaws and hand saws to trim trees as directed.

• Operates compact tractors with multiple attachments to accomplish maintenance tasks

• Operates full size tractors with multiple attachments to accomplish maintenance or resource management tasks.

• Uses power and manual shop tools to maintain vehicles and equipment as assigned.

• Assists in the improvement of park facilities in construction, roofing, remodeling etc.

• Offers accurate and polite advice upon request by park visitors.

• Observes for hazards or threats to safety simultaneously while working on assigned tasks, and reports observations to supervisor.

• Controls noxious weeds by cutting or mowing.

• Maintains firebreaks by trimming or cutting trees and/or shrubs.

Working Conditions:

Hazards

• Custodial chemicals

• Ready to Use pesticides and herbicides

• Power tools (gas and electrical)

• Medium duty equipment

Environment

• Field

• Large groups of park visitors

Physical Effort

• Minimal to Arduous

• Potential high stress incidents and environment

Fair Labor Standards Act

• Non – exempt ( time and one half pay for all authorized overtime )

Work Schedule

• Standard Work Week Monday – Friday. Opportunity for occasional overtime

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities at Time of Hire:

• Possess the basic understanding of safe tractor and mower operation.

• Possess the basic understanding of safe custodial chemical handling.

• Possess the basic understanding and acceptance of chain of command.

• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

• Possess the basic ability to operate vehicles and equipment necessary in the management of conservation areas and facilities.

• Possess the ability to tow and back an equipment trailer with a heavy duty pickup.

• Possess the ability to provide routine service on turf equipment

• Possess the ability to regularly lift 50 pounds to complete responsibilities, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.