State Park Technician

About the Parks

• Lake Manawa State Park: A 1,529-acre recreation hub in Council Bluffs, Lake Manawa is one of Western Iowa's most popular spots for power boating, swimming, and fishing. It features a modern beach, seven miles of paved trails, eight miles of unpaved mountain bike trails, and the largest ADA-accessible playground in the state.
• Wilson Island State Recreation Area:
  Located near Missouri Valley, this 544-acre area is known for its dense cottonwood stands and peaceful atmosphere. It offers spacious camping, fishing access to the Missouri River, and five miles of multi-use trails that transform into a winter wonderland for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

• Facility & Grounds Maintenance:
  Keep offices, restrooms, campgrounds, and shelters clean and in excellent condition. Maintain landscapes through mowing, trimming, and trail repairs.
• Equipment Operation:
  Safely operate a wide range of equipment, including tractors, mowers, power tools, and boats.
• Ecosystem Management:
  Perform vital conservation work such as controlled burns, habitat improvements, invasive species control, and pesticide application.
• Public Engagement:
  Represent the DNR at public events, collaborate with local Friends of the Park groups, and assist visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Administration:
  Assist with fee collection, data management (attendance and budget), and the supervision of seasonal aides and volunteers.

• Maintain trails, a variety of facilities, park grounds and a variety of large and small equipment used for maintenance work.
• Manage invasive species, conduct prescribed burns, and restore native habitats.
• Operate motor vehicles and a variety of large and small equipment to conduct facilities and ground maintenance and habitat restoration/natural resource management.
• Provide public education programs related to parks or conservation.
• Perform physically demanding work that requires stooping, bending and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Perform work outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions.

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Common Sense, Self-Management, Technical Skills (park management).

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
  (Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family-friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation.

The successful candidate must reside within 30 road miles of the work location in accordance with the Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau travel policy. This position requires obtaining and maintaining a valid driver’s license upon hire. Additionally, the incumbent must obtain CPR/First Aid and pesticide applicator certifications within the first six months, and chainsaw safety and defensive tactics certifications within the first year of employment.

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months and annually thereafter (if applicable). Visit the DAS website for more information about benefits.

College or university students pending graduation in May of 2026, with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science, are eligible to apply for this position.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..