State Park Technician

State of Iowa•Harlan - 51537 - Shelby County, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a passionate and dedicated State Park Technician to join their team and help manage Prairie Rose State Park, a premier outdoor destination in Western Iowa. Located near Harlan, this 422-acre park features a 218-acre lake and offers year-round recreational opportunities including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and more. The park includes campgrounds, camping cabins, a swimming beach, boat ramps, fishing jetties, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. As a State Park Technician, you will work under the direction of the Park Manager to maintain facilities and ecosystems to high standards. This is a hands-on role for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and interacting with the public.

Requirements

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 coursework in a biological or natural resources program for the required experience.
Ability to work outdoors and withstand physically demanding work such as stooping, bending and routinely lifting up to 50 lbs.
Obtain, within 12 months, and maintain a commercial pesticide applicator license.
Understand and follow written and oral instructions and effectively communicate technical information; attention to detail.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and other DNR staff; capacity to adjust to change, work under pressure or difficult situations without undue stress, ability to work independently as well as a team member in solving problems and improving service delivery.
Must demonstrate initiative, customer service and team orientation, and display high standards of ethical conduct.
Position is full-time and requires regular attendance.
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.
Must reside within 30 road miles of the work location.
Must obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license upon hire.
Must obtain CPR/First Aid and pesticide applicator certifications within the first six months.
Must obtain chain saw safety and defensive tactics certifications within the first year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Strong core values of Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Common Sense, Self-Management, Technical Skills (park management).

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 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.
Assist with fee collection, data management (attendance and budget), and the supervision of seasonal aides and volunteers.
Operate and maintain power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes.
Train staff and volunteers to perform tasks.

Benefits

Competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
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).
Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).