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Pottawattamie County Conservation is announcing the hiring of a Natural Areas Management Seasonal Technician/Intern - Crew Lead position!
An individual in this position is responsible for assisting the Natural Resource Specialist and/or the Natural Resource Technician with the management of interns and assigned County parks and/or properties in accordance with Conservation Board policies, state laws, and standard conservation practices. Duties include but not limited to intern supervision, tree and brush removal using chainsaws, brush cutters, other machinery, and hand labor; invasive species control using herbicide, hand labor, and other tools; implementation of prescribed fire as part of a crew; trail maintenance and sustainability. Work duties are generally performed out of doors and in inclement weather. Job duties require a considerable amount of physical activity, including walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing.
This position operates from mid-March through November, schedule permitting. Pottawattamie County Conservation is committed to helping grow the next generation of natural resources leaders. If interested applicants are looking to fulfill requirements of an internship, we are happy to engage in education requirements needed.
Non-standard workweek that may include holidays, evenings and weekends. Professionalism and good public relations are essential, as is time management. Internships may qualify for college credit. Job performance evaluations will be completed.
Application review will begin on January 20, 2025 and the position will remain open until filled.
Under the direction of the Natural Resources Specialist, assume primary responsibility for intern crew operations including daily preparedness, equipment maintenance and rehab, work ethic and daily progress, safety, intern personnel relationships, skill-set development, and motivation.
Assist with the management of county parks including ecological restoration, habitat management, general maintenance and public relations.
Assist with implementation of prescribed fire.
Perform road and trail maintenance duties such as storm clean-up, tree cutting, erosion control, blading and filling holes.
Perform routine building maintenance and clean work area on a daily basis.
Tree and brush removal using chainsaws, brush cutters, other machinery, and hand labor.
Invasive species control using herbicide, hand labor, and other tools.
Implementation of prescribed fire as part of a crew.
Trail maintenance and sustainability.
Assist with facilities construction and improvements.
Assist with the development and presentation of educational programs, projects, and events that promote conservation ethics, and natural resource appreciation.
Assist with the supervision of seasonal staff and volunteers.
Perform other functions as directed or as the situation dictates.
Experience leading or working on a crew performing similar activities as those described above (examples include land stewardship, wildfire, and biological monitoring crews).
Preferred candidates will possess experience in the safe operation and maintenance of outdoor equipment and power tools including skid loaders, brushcutters, chainsaws, UTVs and similar equipment.
General knowledge of and/or ability to learn principles of conservation, wildlife, and fish management and natural resource preservation.
General knowledge of the care and safe operation of both manual and power tools and equipment used in maintenance and repair tasks.
General knowledge of routine maintenance and repair to equipment, grounds, and facilities.
General knowledge of various outdoor recreational activities, such as boating, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and canoeing.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, various civic organizations, and the general public.
Ability to learn plant identification (grasses, plants, trees, and invasive species).
Ability to be proficient with chainsaw operation, tree felling and safety.
Ability to work in a variety of extreme environments (inclement weather, extreme temperatures, hazardous terrain, brambles, insects, full sun, etc.).
Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire and attending or planning to attend college in the conservation/natural resource field or pursing a working position in a related field.
Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
Must have a good driving record.
Pursuing a degree or working position in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or related field is preferred.
CPR and basic first aid certification preferred.
Be willing to become a certified wildland firefighter (S-130/190).
