Operations Superintendent (Conservation)

Under the direction of the Conservation Director, supervises employees engaged in a wide variety of maintenance, construction and repair activities, and projects within the county park system in a safe and efficient manner.  

• Principles and practices used in conservation, building construction, roads and bridges, trails, equipment operation and maintenance, basic electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
• Principles and operation of public water supply and distribution systems and wastewater systems
• Principles and operation of automated systems, mechanical and electrical systems including but not limited to geothermal and solar energy arrays
• Codes and permitting related to construction and project management
• Materials used in road, bridge, culvert, facility construction and maintenance work
• Operating techniques of the equipment used in construction and maintenance work
• Safe work practices
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and vocabulary skills

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and coordinate work activities for operation staff
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner 
• Maintain accurate records and be attentive to detail
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, agencies, vendors, and members of the public
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, photocopiers, multi-line telephones and two-way radio systems
• Handle multiple tasks and competing priorities 
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits production and review of a wide variety of materials both in electronic and hard copy forms 
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits use of a keyboard, mouse and hand tools
• Work outdoors on all types of terrain in all types of weather
• Sit, bend, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, twist, crouch and crawl
• Occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull amounts weighing up to 100 pounds
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county facilities and worksites
• Train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff in accordance with county employment policies and work rules/procedures
• Learn, apply, and articulate departmental programs, operations, rules, regulations and policies
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Maintain confidentiality of information as appropriate
• Operate construction/grading and a variety of other equipment such as transit and laser level and related instruments
• Use computer and related software programs for the purposes of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, to read plans and engineering documents, e-mail and internet
• Operate a variety of power and hand tools associated with woodworking, masonry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, and metal work associated with projects
• Read and understand construction plan sets, specifications, and shop drawings necessary for project management and construction
• Organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations
• Perform manual labor (light to moderate) for short periods of time
• Stand and walk frequently, sometimes on uneven and unstable surfaces
• Communicate with the public regarding forestry, wetland and prairie management
• Be on-call as needed
• Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed

Associate’s degree and at least five (5) years experience in all facets of park maintenance including  equipment and construction of outdoor recreation and conservation areas; a progressively responsible skilled trade and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience in construction OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work. 

Special requirements Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.   Class A CDL with air brake endorsement, Iowa Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.. Must pass background check.

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.

• Supervise assigned staff and lead recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, discipline, and discharge of personnel.
• Assign staff and equipment to various projects; instruct staff and inspect work upon completion.
• Supervise equipment, parts, and supply purchases adhering to the county policies.
• Maintain an inventory system to track part and supply procurement and use
• Track fuel purchases and use throughout the conservation department
• Inspect County Parks, roads/parking lots, bridges, buildings and signs, taking notice of needed repairs or maintenance.
• Advise Conservation Director on equipment and facility conditions and recommend repair and maintenance needs.
• Coordinate projects, serve as a project liaison with landowners, staff and contractors and review areas, facilities and grounds. 
• Oversee and inspect contractors’ maintenance and repair projects and development projects.
• Call on operations staff for snow removal, flood damage, storm damage and other related emergencies as authorized by the director.
• Supervise product inventory and ensure items are stocked related to budget.
• Address neighboring residents’ complaints and inquiries and public inquires as directed.
• Direct the repair and maintenance of buildings and grounds.
• Assist in the preparation of the maintenance budget and monitor expenditures.
• Assist with electrical, plumbing heat and cooling septic and water systems.
• Assist in managing County’s Trail System and maintenance practices.
• Work on projects such as prairie burns, noxious weed eradication, habitat rehabilitation, park clean-up, and other conservation work.
• Attend work-related meetings and participate in training opportunities as requested to stay up to date with job requirements. 
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with Conservation Board policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly.

Salary : $79,854 - $95,825