Park Technician

POSITION TITLE:    Park Technician                          

REPORTS TO:        Conservation Director & Conservation Specialist                          

SUPERVISES:        Seasonal Conservation Aides    

DEFINITION OF POSITION:

Full time position under general supervision of the Conservation Board Director and direct supervision of the Conservation Specialist this employee is responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment and vehicles, maintenance and repairs of park facilities,  plumbing and electrical maintenance and repairs, construction of park facilities, grounds maintenance and natural resource management on all areas managed by the Conservation Board.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

-Performs park maintenance and operation work such as:  the repair of buildings, tables, fireplaces, tools and equipment, and the maintenance and clean-up of roads, trails, buildings, developed grounds, boat docks, restrooms, and water systems using various specialized hand and power tools.

-Mows grass and trims vegetation by safely using a variety of power and hand tools, vehicles, and equipment, including power mowers and weed eaters.

-grounds maintenance work including tree trimming, hauling gravel, garbage removal, snow removal

-operate equipment such as trucks, tractors, skid loader, mowers and trailering equipment.

-maintains appearance of parks by cleaning showers, latrines and shelter houses.

-Provides corrective and preventive maintenance on trucks, tractors, lawn mowers, and other department equipment.  Changes oil in trucks, tractors, mowers and other vehicles.

-perform maintenance and repairs to equipment such as vehicles, mowers, chain saws, small engines, trailers, tractors, heavy equipment, seeders and utility vehicles

-repair and maintenance of buildings and facilities including construction, plumbing, electrical, welding and fabrication.

-Cares for turf, trees and other vegetation in parks and recreational areas.  Controls weeds and grasses using spraying equipment and herbicides.  Prepares chemicals.  Applies fertilizer.

-Cuts, splits and stacks firewood using chain saws and wood splitters.

-Uses chain saws, ropes, tractors and logging equipment to cut trees.

-perform basic plumbing activities such as installing sinks and toilets, soldering pipes, cleaning drains, repair/replace drain and water lines

-make recommendations and order repair parts or supplies

-assist in construction of structures

-provide work direction of seasonal staff as needed.

-develop project work lists in cooperation with the Conservation Specialist to assist in prioritizing work projects

-responsible for opening and closing parks and facilities as needed -required to work irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed

-responsible for maintaining and keeping current any and all required licensing and certifications

-Provides information on facilities, rules and regulations, and other services as required or assigned to the public.  Respond to questions by park users.

-Assists in planting and watering trees and shrubs for wildlife habitat and in park areas.

-Maintains fences throughout conservation areas.  Replaces broken posts or rails.  Constructs fences by digging post holes, setting posts and stringing barbed wire.

-Assists in the prescribed burning of native prairie areas established on county and state lands. 

-Checks camper registrations.  Patrols parks occasionally during weekdays.  

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS: 

-Perform other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.  

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY: 

-Knowledge of techniques of turf and prairie care, including application of seed and fertilizer in proper ratios.

-General knowledge of the care and safe operation of both manual and power tools and equipment used in park management operations.  (Must meet OSHA age requirement to operate power tools).

-Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, supervisors and fellow employees.

-General knowledge of first aid procedures and applications.

-Semi-skilled in wood working, carpentry and general building construction.        

-Ability to repair and maintain equipment.

-Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

-Ability to safely operate a range of motor vehicles, including tractors, mowers, trucks & ATVs.

-Knowledge of vehicle maintenance methods and ability to safely use associated tools.

-Ability to safely operate control burning equipment, including torches and pumps.

-Ability to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications.

-Ability to operate a variety of farm equipment including tractors, no-till drills, implements, sprayers, UTVs and skid loaders.

-General knowledge of the techniques required to perform maintenance and repair of equipment, grounds and facilities.

-Ability to maintain basic maintenance and repair records.

-Responsible for following standard safety operating procedures.

-Ability to perform job duties efficiently with minimal supervision.

-Ability to work alone and to make independent decisions.  

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

-Minimum two-year degree in a conservation or natural resource related field or high school diploma with a minimum 2 years work experience in a conservation related field is preferred.

-Preferred applicant to reside in Mills County, Iowa or become a resident within six months of hire.

-Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, or irregular hours if required, and be willing to wear prescribed uniform if required.

-Must possess a valid driver’s license.

-Must pass a Pre-employment physical and drug screen.  

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Work is performed either indoors in an office setting or outdoors, in inclement weather and over rough terrain.  Incumbent must be able to work in all climatic conditions ranging from intense heat to extreme cold, with snow and / or ice.  Individual mobility is also required to attend public meetings and visit job sites at various places within the county.  While performing the duties described, the employee is required to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, climb or crawl; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or control; and reach with hands and arms.  Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary to operate computers, tools, vehicles and various pieces of equipment.  The incumbent must have the ability to lift and carry office supplies or other tools and equipment weighing up to 80 lbs, without assistance, and to tolerate long periods of standing or sitting.  Adequate hearing and speech is necessary to communicate clearly.  Must have the ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds and textures associated with job-related objects and materials. Work may be required before and after daylight hours.  The incumbent occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high/precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk or electrical shock and vibration.  The noise level is usually quiet to moderate, however may be intense dependent upon the activity performed in the field. Work requires interaction with the general public and may be stressful when dealing with irate citizens and/or meeting deadlines.