State Park Technician

State of Iowa • Milford - 51351 - Dickinson County, IA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application. At the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we are dedicated to conserving and enhancing our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations. Our goal is to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a lasting legacy for future generations. We are seeking two passionate and dedicated State Park Technicians to join our team and help us manage Gull Point State Park, a premier outdoor destination. Locations: Gull Point State Park is a focal point in the Great Lakes region. Established in 1933 and home to the largest CCC-era lodge in the park system. Gull Point provides a pleasing, shaded setting on West Okoboji Lake with numerous outdoor recreation amenities. Camp in the popular campground, which is well shaded and features paved roads, playground equipment, modern restroom and shower facilities, as well as a sanitary dump station. A variety of campsites are available, including electrical hookups. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Gull Point State Park. The campground is 100% reservable and a reservation is required. Picnic in one of the open shelters within the park, which may be reserved online. Or plan your next special event in the Gull Point Lodge, built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). The lodge is a wonderful setting for group activities such as wedding receptions and family reunions, featuring a kitchenette and space for up to 140 people. Lodge reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Gull Point State Park. Hike along the western portion of Gull Point State Park on a 1.3-mile self-guided interpretative trail. Visitors can identify diverse natural features along the trail. This area of the park is an excellent place to observe wildlife, such as songbirds and white-tailed deer. In the winter, the area is open for cross-country skiing. Enjoy lake activities on beautiful West Lake Okoboji. Gull Point's beach is a popular spot for summer sunbathing and swimming. West Okoboji is one of Iowa’s prime fishing spots, with plentiful walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish and bullheads. Boating is also very popular on the lake. As a State Park Technician, you will work under the direction of the Park Manager to ensure our facilities and ecosystems are maintained to the highest standards. This is a hands-on role perfect for those who love working outdoors and engaging with the public.

Requirements

• Maintain/obtain valid driver's license. (must obtain upon hire).
• CPR/First Aide certification (must obtain within the first six months of hire)
• Chain saw safety certification (must obtain within first year of hire)
• Defensive tactics training (must obtain within first year of hire)
• Pesticide applicator certification (must obtain within first six months of hire)
• Successful applicant must be able to reside within 30 road miles of the work location per the Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau travel policy.
• Park and Recreation Management 6 months’ experience, twelve semester hours, or a combination of both in the operation and/or maintenance of parks or park recreational services. May have commonly been served at a national, state, or county park level.
• The equivalent of two years of full time experience involving facilities maintenance in plumbing, electrical, and/or heating and cooling, or semi-skilled or technical work in a biological, horticultural, conservation, or natural resources program; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting 30 semester hours of college level course work in a biological or natural resources program for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Keep offices, restrooms, campgrounds, and shelters clean and in excellent condition.
• Maintain landscapes through mowing, trimming, and trail repairs.
• Safely operate a wide range of equipment, including tractors, mowers, power tools, and boats.
• Perform vital conservation work such as controlled burns, habitat improvements, invasive species control, and pesticide application.
• Represent the DNR at public events, collaborate with local "Friends of the Park" groups, and assist visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Assist with fee collection, data management (attendance and budget), and the supervision of seasonal aides and volunteers.
• Maintain trails, a variety of facilities, park grounds and a variety of large and small equipment used for maintenance work.
• Manage invasive species, conduct prescribed burns, and restore native habitats.
• Operate motor vehicles and a variety of large and small equipment to conduct facilities and ground maintenance and habitat restoration/natural resource management.
• Provide public education programs related to parks or conservation.
• Perform physically demanding work that requires stooping, bending and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Perform work outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree