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Natural Resource Management Specialist

Salary

$63,252.80 - $75,899.20 Annually

Location

Johnson County Conservation Dept FW Kent Park Oxford, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

00856

Department

Conservation

Opening Date

06/02/2025

Closing Date

6/23/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

Definition & Duties

Under general supervision of the Natural Resource Manager, perform work in the establishment, enhancement, and care of Iowa native plants and outdoor recreation facilities of the Johnson County Conservation Board.

Knowledge of & Ability to

+ Pesticides such as insecticides and herbicides

+ Prairie, woodland, and wetland management

+ Iowa native and non-native flora and fauna

+ Tree and shrub planting, trimming, removal

+ Chemicals and methods for the maintenance of shrubs and trees

+ Native trees, shrubs, and grasses of Iowa and non-native invasive species

+ Landscaping and hardscaping principles

+ Equipment and vehicle operation and preventative maintenance

+ Facilities and grounds care maintenance standards, safety standards, mowing equipment maintenance and repair of equipment

+ ArcGIS Desktop software

+ Global Positioning System (GPS) processes and equipment

+ English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure and punctuation

Ability to:

+ Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner

+ Operate equipment and tools required on the job (including mowers, tractors, chain saws, tree mover, seedling tree and shrub planter, wood chipper, trimmer, stumper, tree spade, dump truck, tractor loader, skid loader, wheel tractor, small snow plow, etc.) in a safe and effective manner

+ Collect data, keep accurate records and prepare reports

+ Communicate effectively with the public regarding forestry, prairie and wetland management

+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other agencies and members of the public

+ Perform equipment maintenance and repairs

+ Perform basic building maintenance

+ Understand and follow oral and written instructions

+ Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, mapping, email and the Internet

+ Perform moderately heavy manual labor for extended periods

+ Work outside in inclement weather on field projects

+ Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position

+ Routinely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 pounds

+ Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl

+ Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication

+ Have sufficient vision which permits operation of needed tools and equipment, production and review of a wide variety of materials both electronic and hardcopy forms

+ Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits use of a keyboard, mouse and hand tools

+ Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work

+ Lead field workers

+ Work on weekends and holidays as necessary

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Bachelor's degree in conservation management, biology, botany, or related natural sciences major OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work.Related experience preferred.

Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid Class A CDL and insurable under county liability coverage. Iowa Department of Agriculture Applicator Pesticide Certification, as required for Forestry and Right-of-Way, or the ability to attain certification within six (6) months of hire. Obtain certification in National Wildland Firefighter Coordination training S-130 and S-190 within one year of employment.

Specific Duties

To be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

The following duties are normal for this position.These are not construed as exclusive or all inclusive.Other duties may be required and assigned.

+ Assist in the management of woodlands, prairies and wetlands.

+ Assist in planning and management of the establishment and maintenance of native plant communities.

+ Apply pesticides.

+ Repair or remove storm damaged plant material.

+ Perform landscape planting projects.

+ Assist in planning native plant material burns.

+ Perform equipment preventative maintenance and minor repairs.

+ Prune, remove and plant trees and shrubs.

+ Identify trees and shrubs for removal on timber stand improvements and forestry-related projects.

+ Identify and delineate wetland plant communities.

+ Compile, record and report information on native and non-native plant and animal communities including botanical inventories.

+ Clean public use buildings, e.g. wash walls, clean shop, etc.

+ Train employees in plant identification and the operation of specified equipment and landscaping techniques.

+ Assist in minor and major construction and maintenance projects such as fences, roads, signage, wetlands, ponds, soil erosion structures and tree plantations.

+ Recondition park facilities.

+ Serve as crew leader; train seasonal employees on safe equipment and hand tool operation.

+ Mow grounds and maintain mowing equipment.

+ Develop and analyze maps and complete related reports.

+ Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with Conservation Board policies, procedures and safety practices.

+ Attend work regularly at designated place and time.

Resume con cover letter must be attached to online application.

For questions regarding this job please contact Ines Beltre at 319-688-8076 or [email protected]

Employee Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.

Compensation

Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.

Vacation

+ During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks

+ During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks

+ During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks

+ During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks

Holidays

12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:

+ New Year's Day

+ Martin Luther King's Birthday

+ President's Day

+ Memorial Day

+ Independence Day

+ Juneteenth

+ Labor Day

+ Veteran's Day

+ Thanksgiving Day and day after

+ Christmas

+ Floating Christmas holiday

Sick Leave

Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.

Parental Leave

A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.

Wellness Program

Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.

Health Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

+ Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan

+ PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family

+ Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112.00/month.

Dental Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Vision Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Flexible Spending

Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance

Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D. Max covered salary $100,000.

*Supplemental Life Insurance

The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.

Long-Term Disability

Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.

IPERS

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.

Deferred Compensation (457)

A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to $40/biweekly, and employees are vested on day 1.

Discounted Bus Pass

Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.

Johnson County is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.

Women, minorities and elderly are encouraged to apply.

Employer

Johnson County

Address

913 S Dubuque St Suite 103 Iowa City, Iowa, 52240

Phone

319-356-6003

Website

https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/

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