Conservation Laborer

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.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of the techniques and methods used in tree maintenance, care and removal.
• Knowledge in the care and planting of nursery stock.
• Knowledge and use of hand and power tools in performing manual labor tasks.
• Knowledge in the mixing and application of herbicides is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles of prescribed fire is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles of native prairie, woodland, and wetland management is preferred.
• Skill in the safe use and maintenance of outdoor power equipment (mowers, trimmers, sprayers, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.)
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to back equipment with a trailer attached.

Training and Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
• Experience 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.

Special Requirements

• Part-Time Positions:

• A criminal background check is required.

• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A drug screen is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
• A valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver's license is required within twelve months of hire.

• On-Call and Seasonal Position:

• A criminal background check is required.

• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.