CONSERVATION LABORER - NATURAL RESOURCES (TRAIL MOWER)

Polk County is seeking a Conservation Laborer for seasonal work in Granger, IA, primarily assisting with mowing and maintaining county conservation lands. Duties include operating mid-sized tractors, performing manual labor, and assisting with equipment maintenance. Applicants should be 18+, preferably with experience in outdoor power equipment. The position lasts for 6 months, starting in late April or early May 2025, with a pay rate of $18–19 per hour.
JOB
Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and laborer duties within the Conservation department; performs related work as assigned.This position will primarily assist with mowing projects on the county-wide hard surface trail system managed by Polk County Conservation. Must be comfortable with mid-sized tractors and their operation.Must have the willingness to learn the use of a boom mower; or have previous experience with their operation.The successful applicant must be cognizant of and yield to trail users and be willing to adhere to all safety measures to ensure the safe and free use of trails and trail amenities.This is a seasonal 40-hour-a-week position that will last for 6 months—starting at the end of April or the beginning of May 2025 for our summer season.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assists full-time staff with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain a county park system.Assists in the application of chemicals; assists with prescribing fire, invasive species control, prairie seed harvest and processing, and timber stand improvement duties.Participates in the care of trees, shrubs, and other plants. Clears brush, and removes invasive species.Assists with minor equipment repair and maintenance.Maintains and operates equipment such as hand tools, power tools, pick-ups, sprayers, tractors, utility vehicles, gators, mowers, and pressure washers.Assists in the maintenance of trails.Completes forms as necessary.Performs related duties as assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Must be 18 years of age or older.Graduation from high school or equivalent, andExperience with operation of outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, sprayers, brush cutters, and blowers is preferred, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.Pesticide Applicator’s License per Iowa Code Section 206.6 is preferred.