State Park Technician

At the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we are dedicated to conserving and enhancing our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations. Our goal is to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a lasting legacy for future generations. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated State Park Technician to join our team and help us manage two of Western Iowa's premier outdoor destinations.

• 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.

As a State Park Technician, you will work under the direction of the Park Manager to ensure our facilities and ecosystems are maintained to the highest standards. This is a hands‑on role perfect for those who love working outdoors and engaging with the public.

• 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. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website.

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…