Natural Resource Management Specialist

Johnson County is seeking a Natural Resource Management Specialist to oversee the care of Iowa native plants and outdoor recreation facilities. Responsibilities include managing pesticides, flora and fauna, tree maintenance, landscaping, and equipment operation. The role requires effective communication, data collection, and physical labor outdoors. A Bachelor's degree in conservation management or related fields is preferred, along with specific certifications. This position is based in Iowa City, IA and is not remote.
Under general supervision of the Natural Resource Manager, perform work in the establishment, enhancement, and care of Iowa native plants and outdoor recreation facilities of the Johnson County Conservation Board.
• Pesticides such as insecticides and herbicides
• Prairie, woodland, and wetland management
• Iowa native and non-native flora and fauna
• Tree and shrub planting, trimming, removal
• Chemicals and methods for the maintenance of shrubs and trees
• Native trees, shrubs, and grasses of Iowa and non-native invasive species
• Landscaping and hardscaping principles
• Equipment and vehicle operation and preventative maintenance
• Facilities and grounds care maintenance standards, safety standards, mowing equipment maintenance and repair of equipment
• ArcGIS Desktop software
• Global Positioning System (GPS) processes and equipment
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure and punctuation

Ability to:
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Operate equipment and tools required on the job (including mowers, tractors, chain saws, tree mover, seedling tree and shrub planter, wood chipper, trimmer, stumper, tree spade, dump truck, tractor loader, skid loader, wheel tractor, small snow plow, etc.) in a safe and effective manner
• Collect data, keep accurate records and prepare reports
• Communicate effectively with the public regarding forestry, prairie and wetland management
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other agencies and members of the public
• Perform equipment maintenance and repairs
• Perform basic building maintenance
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, mapping, email and the Internet
• Perform moderately heavy manual labor for extended periods
• Work outside in inclement weather on field projects
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Routinely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 pounds
• Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl
• Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits operation of needed tools and equipment, production and review of a wide variety of materials both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits use of a keyboard, mouse and hand tools
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work
• Lead field workers
• Work on weekends and holidays as necessary
Bachelor's degree in conservation management, biology, botany, or related natural sciences major OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work.Related experience preferred.

Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid Class A CDL and insurable under county liability coverage. Iowa Department of Agriculture Applicator Pesticide Certification, as required for Forestry and Right-of-Way, or the ability to attain certification within six (6) months of hire. Obtain certification in National Wildland Firefighter Coordination training S-130 and S-190 within one year of employment.

To be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

The following duties are normal for this position.These are not construed as exclusive or all inclusive.Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Assist in the management of woodlands, prairies and wetlands.
• Assist in planning and management of the establishment and maintenance of native plant communities.
• Apply pesticides.
• Repair or remove storm damaged plant material.
• Perform landscape planting projects.
• Assist in planning native plant material burns.
• Perform equipment preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Prune, remove and plant trees and shrubs.
• Identify trees and shrubs for removal on timber stand improvements and forestry-related projects.
• Identify and delineate wetland plant communities.
• Compile, record and report information on native and non-native plant and animal communities including botanical inventories.
• Clean public use buildings, e.g. wash walls, clean shop, etc.
• Train employees in plant identification and the operation of specified equipment and landscaping techniques.
• Assist in minor and major construction and maintenance projects such as fences, roads, signage, wetlands, ponds, soil erosion structures and tree plantations.
• Recondition park facilities.
• Serve as crew leader; train seasonal employees on safe equipment and hand tool operation.
• Mow grounds and maintain mowing equipment.
• Develop and analyze maps and complete related reports.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with Conservation Board policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly at designated place and time.
Resume con cover letter must be attached to online application.

For questions regarding this job please contact Ines Beltre at 319-688-8076 or ibeltre@johnsoncountyiowa.gov