State Park Technician

State of Iowa • Gladbrook - 50635 - Tama County, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 a passionate and dedicated State Park Technician to join our team and help us manage Union Grove State Park, a premier outdoor destination. Union Grove was established in 1938 and is a picturesque park in Tama County centered around the 110-acre Union Grove Lake. The park features a scenic dam and waterfall, wooded landscapes, and a mix of prairie and pine plantings that support diverse wildlife and habitats. Union Grove offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking on scenic trails, fishing for species such as bass and crappie, boating, camping, and wildlife observation. Visitors frequently enjoy the park’s quiet, natural setting and accessible outdoor amenities, making it a popular destination for both day use and overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming, along with trails that highlight native plants and wildlife. The park also serves as a central gathering place for community events and offers a peaceful setting for recreation and relaxation in northwest Iowa. As a State Park Technician, you will work under the direction of the Park Manager, stewarding a vibrant 282-acre haven featuring a tranquil 110-acre lake, scenic waterfalls, and miles of shaded hiking trails to ensure our facilities and ecosystems are maintained to the highest standards. Whether you are helping visitors make lasting memories at our campgrounds or preserving vital local habitats, your work will help maintain and preserve central Iowa’s access to public lands. This is a hands-on role perfect for those who love working outdoors and engaging with the public.

Requirements

• Possess and maintain valid Iowa driver's license.
• Required to live within travel requirement as outlined in DNR Park Bureau policy.
• 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.
• Operate and maintain power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes; work outdoors and withstand physically demanding work such as stooping, bending and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and effectively communicate technical information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and other DNR staff; work independently as well as a team member in solving problems and improving service delivery.
• Train staff and volunteers to perform tasks.
• 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 work outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Commercial Drivers License and endorsements
• Certification as a water and wastewater system operator
• Certification by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator

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.
• Operate and maintain power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes; work outdoors and withstand physically demanding work such as stooping, bending and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and effectively communicate technical information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and other DNR staff; work independently as well as a team member in solving problems and improving service delivery.
• Train staff and volunteers to perform tasks.
• 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 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)
• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed