Conservation Technician

Position Title:            Conservation Technician
Department:              Conservation Board
FLSA Status:               Non-Exempt
Reports to:                 Conservation Board Director  

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: 40 hours per week, Monday- Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. with occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.  

SALARY:  $23.00 per hour with standard County benefits.  This position is subject to a 6-month probationary period.  Wage increase after certifications obtained or after the probationary period, whichever is longer.  

DESCRIPTION: General maintenance, improvement and care of recreational areas on county park grounds, including mowing and trimming; pruning and limb removal; cleaning restrooms, rental facilities, and camping and picnic areas; trash removal; trail and sign maintenance; inspection, installation and upkeep of playground equipment; road maintenance; construction and painting projects; maintenance of natural areas in county parks, including use of prescribed fire; cutting or planting trees and shrubs; mowing or seeding prairies; applying herbicides; providing information to campers and other park visitors, collecting camping fees, selling firewood, maintaining camp amenities during busy camping days; maintaining a safe, clean work environment in the shop, parks and vehicles; maintaining positive public relations and attitude in parks and at CCCB shop.  This position will include performing other duties as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum: High School Diploma/GED and either Associate Degree OR 2 years of previous job related experience. Prefer experience and interest in the outdoors, natural resource management, biology, ecology, forestry, agriculture, or related fields. Prefer some experience with construction and carpentry. Must possess Class A CDL (air brakes not required), or certificate indicating completion of written exam, and completion of driving portion within 45 days of hire. Must obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, 130/190 Wildland firefighter training, and CPR/First Aid certification within 6 months.  

REQUIREMENTS: The duties of this position involve frequent physical activity: walking over uneven ground, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, carrying tools and objects, etc. This employee must have the ability to operate various types of vehicles, machinery and equipment, including power and hand tools such as drills, routers, and various jigsaw, circular, table and radial arm saws. The duties above will require the use of trucks, tractors, skid loader, mowers, tree planters, grain drills, trailers, chainsaws, sprayers, weed trimmers, and log splitters. The employee must be able to regularly lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 50-100lbs. Much of the work will require exposure to temperature extremes, seasonal weather, allergens, insects, and dusty, smoky, or noisy conditions.   

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of conservation of natural resources as well as some basic carpentry and construction skills. They should also be able to skillfully operate a wide variety of equipment and tools. This individual must be capable of good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Evidence of organizational skills and efficient work habits is a must. This employee must be able to receive and follow written and verbal instructions, to read and interpret maps, and to keep accurate records of work completed. Occasional office duties are required.  

A pre-employment physical and drug test is required. Cherokee County is an equal opportunity employer.    

TO APPLY:  Applications are available online at cherokeecountyparks.com or at 629 River Road, Cherokee.  Send a cover letter, resume, and completed application to: Laura Jones, Cherokee County Conservation Board, 629 River Road, Cherokee IA 51012 or email to cccblaura@gmail.com.  

DEADLINE:  Noon on March 8, 2024, or until filled.