Hardin County - Natural Resource Technician - Ackley , IA

This job is a non-exempt permanent full time position under the direction of the Conservation Director. The Natural Resource Technician performs a wide variety of professional, technical, and field duties including but not limited to; natural resource management, park and facility maintenance, and program administration.

Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or other applicable field;, or at least two (10 +) years of natural resource field experience or agricultural work.

Within 6 months of hiring

• A valid Iowa Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.
• A valid Iowa Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• Minimum wild land fire training of NWCG S-130/190, S131, S290 certification (within a year)

• Develop and assess short and long term natural resource management strategies for the county’s parks and wildlife areas's
• Apply natural resource management practices on both public and private land including, but not limited to:
  • Prescribed burning
  • Planting native grasses, food plots, trees and shrubs
  • Mowing and applying chemicals
  • Implementing new practices, long range planning
  • Timber stand improvement
• Provide assistance and information to the public and park visitors.
• Provide technical assistance on natural resource management techniques to landowners and organizations.
• Administer the department’s private land habitat program by:
  • Contacting and working with landowners to develop natural resource management strategies
  • Maintaining spray records and ensuring contract compliance
  • Compiling and presenting reports
• Operate and perform regular maintenance on trucks, tractors, and specialized equipment.
• Supervise temporary work crews and the Conservation Tech position.
• Develop and enhance working relationships with other public and private resource organizations.
• Develop and provide public information and workshops related to habitat and wildlife species.
• Attend relevant workshops and meetings related to natural resource management to stay informed of current trends and methods.
• Assist with the department’s Prescribed Fire program by keeping records, lining up training opportunities for staff and continuing to acquire Fire Certifications
• Assist in development of promotional and education material using both print and digital media.
• Seek grant program opportunities and write grant applications.
• Inspect, map, and certify land enrolled in Forest Reserve Program.
• Perform duties in rough terrain and in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• Work occasional weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and night shifts as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Considerable knowledge of conservation principles and practices.
• Ability to identify trees, shrubs, flowers, fish, reptiles, birds and other wildlife common to Iowa.
• Extensive working knowledge of wildlife and habitat management goals, objectives, and techniques, ecological principles, and species’ life histories and habitat needs.
• Extensive knowledge and experience using prescribed fire.
• Extensive experience with hand and power tools, farm equipment and machinery.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
• Ability and willingness to speak publicly, give presentations, and teach various courses.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of civic and sportsman’s groups, other agencies, departmental staff and the general public.
• Ability to interpret and effectively apply policy, procedure, rules and regulations relative to conservation practices.
• Knowledge of, and willingness and ability to effectively use technology Arcview GIS and Pictometry.

• Required 90 day probationary period.
• Standard county health and life insurance benefits as well as uniform allowance.
• FLSA status:
  Non Exempt

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in wildlife, forestry, agriculture or at least two (10+) years of natural resource or agriculture field experience.

Special Certification Requirements:

Hardin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer