Resource Technician

About Resource Technician:

This position will report to the Pinicon Ridge Park district. Performs unskilled to semi-skilled tasks required in the maintenance of parks and park facilities and or natural resource management activities in the County. Work is performed under general supervision. Knows the County’s Customer-Centered Culture principles, the County’s Mission, Strategic Plan and Core Values and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction for all customers on a regular basis.

Essential Functions:

Performs maintenance work such as repair and upkeep of park cabins, lodges, shelters, restrooms, campsite water and electrical systems, park furniture and playground equipment. May perform general playground inspections. Assists with area water start up and shut off procedures. May be responsible for writing an area water sampling plan as well as the maintenance of public water systems and records. Take daily/monthly/quarterly samples and ensure compliance with Public Health regulations. Performs fence construction, painting, water system maintenance, plowing snow, road and trail maintenance, sign installation and routine maintenance duties such as mowing, tree planting and landscape maintenance. Participates in prescribed fire and prairie maintenance and performs felling of trees, timber stand improvement, other forestry work and storm clean-up of areas. Calibrates equipment, applies herbicides, maintains pesticide application equipment, and records and remains current with all license requirements. Operates and performs daily maintenance and inspection on tools and equipment such as tractors, skid steers, trucks, mowers, forestry equipment, hand tools, sprayers and water concession vessels. May operate specialized equipment such as aerial bucket truck and other lifts for which training or certification may be required. Assists with public use area projects such as hiking trails, parking areas and landscaping. May assist with seasonal employee training and job assignment coordination. May perform camper registration, communication and customer service.  Assists in communicating park rules to customers. Prepares monthly reports as required. May collect, count and balance deposits and camping fees. Checks online reservation system for lodges, cabins, shelters and campsites. Coordinates arrival times and conducts reservation orientations. May organize canoe trips and complete rental agreements. May assist in maintaining the Pinicon Ridge Park wildlife area by feeding and watering animals. May assist with public programs and media contacts. Performs all other related duties as assigned. Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the “Voice of the Customer” and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible. 

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent required plus college level course work in the Natural Resource field.  Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in the natural resource area. An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

Knowledge of the operation and daily maintenance of tools and light equipment. May need to obtain training or certification in the operation of aerial lifts. Ability to perform manual labor on uneven terrain and to work outside under all types of weather conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others and to maintain good public relations. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Knowledge of basic computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word and the ability to learn GIS applications for natural resource management uses. General botanical knowledge plants and horticultural practices, and general knowledge of Iowa native flora and fauna. Ability to learn chainsaw operation and maintenance to conduct basic tree felling practices.

Special Requirements:

A valid State of Iowa Driver's License is required. Possession of a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License within 6 months of hire required. Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement required within six (6) months of hire. Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake and passenger endorsements required within six (6) months of hire for Resource Technicians assigned to work the boat concession at Pinicon Ridge Park. Must pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment and random drug testing determined by employer for CDL holders. Regular work attendance required. May work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and will work autonomously at times. May be required to attend wildland firefighting trainings such as S130/S190.Must remain awake and aware of surroundings at all times.