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Natural Resources Technician 1

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Natural Resources Technician 1

Salary

$41,100.80 - $60,174.40 Annually

Location

State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00793

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

09/25/2025

Closing Date

10/9/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Mike Weis; [email protected] and Chad Kelchen; [email protected]

To Apply

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

About the Role

Do you have a passion for the outdoors, leadership, and making a positive impact on both people and natural resources? As aNatural Resources Technician, you will be at the forefront of preserving, maintaining, and enhancing our state park system. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on operational work, natural resource management, community engagement, and leadership responsibilities to create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for all visitors. We have three openings for Natural Resources Technicians across the State of Iowa at these locations:

+ Gull Point State Complex in Milford, Iowa

+ Pine Lake/Union Grove State Park Complex in Eldora, Iowa

+ Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – Lehigh, Iowa

The successful candidate will be required to live within 30 miles of the park as outlined in DNR Park Bureau policy. These positions require weekend and evening work during the recreational season.

Key Responsibilities:

Facility & Equipment Maintenance

+ Ensure all park facilities—including campgrounds, cabins, docks, restrooms, shelters, lodges, roadways, and playgrounds—are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

+ Oversee heating, cooling, water, and wastewater systems.

+ Operate and maintain equipment such as tractors, mowers, saws, ATVs, trailers, boats, and other power tools safely and efficiently.

+ Pine Lake/Union Grove will be expected to clean and maintain cabins while being on call on a rotating shift.

Grounds & Resource Management

+ Keep all public-use areas clean, safe, and visually appealing.

+ Support habitat restoration projects including prairie burns, plantings, pruning, invasive species control, and wildlife management.

+ Maintain multi-use trail systems for both safety and ecological preservation.

+ Attend and maintain certification in pesticide application.

Public Relations, Education & Enforcement

+ Represent the park and the state park system through community outreach, media engagements, and public events.

+ Collaborate with local organizations, chambers of commerce, and friends’ groups to promote the park and local economy.

+ Support interpretive programs and work alongside seasonal naturalists to enhance visitor education.

+ Patrol park areas as a six-month officer to ensure visitor safety, property protection, and public order.

+ Assist visitors with questions, concerns, and emergencies while providing exceptional customer service.

+ Maintain training in enforcement techniques and complete required reporting.

Administrative Support

+ Assist in preparing reports related to attendance, budgeting, fuel, payroll, incidents, and cash handling.

+ Collect fees in compliance with DNR policies and procedures.

+ Help coordinate work assignments for natural resource aides and volunteers.

What We’re Looking For:

+ Strong leadership and organizational skills.

+ Ability to balance hands-on maintenance work with administrative and community responsibilities.

+ Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with the public, staff, and partner organizations.

+ Knowledge or experience in natural resource management, facility operations, and/or public safety enforcement preferred.

+ Commitment to visitor safety, conservation, and the mission of the state park system.

Why Join Us?

As a Natural Resources Technician, you won’t just be assisting in the management of a State Park—you’ll be creating experiences, protecting resources, and building connections within the community. Every day brings variety, from leading habitat improvements to engaging with park visitors, to preserving the natural beauty of our lands for future generations.

About the Park Locations:

Gull Point State Complex – Milford, Iowa:

+ Located on the scenic shores of West Okoboji Lake,Gull Point State Parkis one of Iowa’s premier destinations in the Great Lakes Region. Spanning nearly 380 acres, the complex offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historic charm.

+ The park is home to a wide variety of facilities including campgrounds with modern amenities, cabins, shelters, a swimming beach, multi-use trails, and boating access. Its historic lodge, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is a centerpiece of the park and a popular gathering place for community and visitor events.

+ Visitors come year-round to enjoycamping, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter activities like cross-country skiing. The park’s diverse landscape—woodlands, wetlands, prairie remnants, and lakeshore—supports abundant wildlife and offers rich opportunities for natural resource management and interpretation.

Pine Lake/Union Grove State Park Complex – Eldora, Iowa:

+ The Pine Lake and Union Grove State Park Complex offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty, historic character, and community connection in the heart of central Iowa. Together, these parks provide more than 700 acres of lakes, woodlands, prairie, and scenic trails that draw visitors year-round.

+ Pine Lake State Parkis known for its towering white pines, two lakes along the Iowa River, and miles of wooded trails. The park features a modern campground, family cabins, picnic areas, and the historic CCC-built lodge, making it a popular destination for camping, family events, fishing, and hiking.

+ Union Grove State Parkcenters around a picturesque 110-acre lake, complete with a beach, boat ramps, cabins, and scenic trails through woodland and prairie landscapes. The park is also home to a historic dam and waterfall, offering unique recreational and educational opportunities.

+ Together, the complex balancesmodern recreation with historic preservation and natural resource stewardship.From managing historic CCC structures to maintaining campgrounds, beaches, and trails, staff at this complex play a critical role in both protecting Iowa’s natural resources and creating exceptional visitor experiences.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – Lehigh, Iowa

+ Located in the rolling hills of Webster County,Brushy Creek State Recreation Areais one of Iowa’s largest and most diverse parks, spanning over 6,500 acres. The park combines forested areas, prairies, and a 690-acre lake to provide a wide range of recreational opportunities and natural resource stewardship challenges.

+ Visitors enjoyboating, fishing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The park features extensive trails, multiple campgrounds, modern restrooms and showers, group campsites, equestrian facilities with arenas and horse wash areas, and a shooting range.

+ Brushy Creek is not just a destination for recreation—it’s a hub forconservation, environmental education, and community engagement. The park offers abundant opportunities for habitat management, trail and facility maintenance, and interpretive programs to connect visitors with Iowa’s natural resources.

Essential Functions:

Critical Job Competencies:

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills, Team Player, Self-Management, Customer Focus, and Technical Skills (Park Management)

What You Get From Us:

+ A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.

+ Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

(Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).

+ 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)

Comments:

Special Requirements:

+ Pesticide Applicator’s License (must obtain within first six months of hire)

+ Maintain/Obtain valid Driver's License. (must obtain upon hire)

+ CPR/First Aide Certification (must obtain within 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)

+ Staff must live within the travel requirement as outlined in the DNR Park Bureau Policy.

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from [email protected]. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment)

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment) website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Iowa DNR Mission:

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Selectives

914Park 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/NaturalResourcesTechnician1-05301.pdf) .

Additional Qualification Requirements

+ Certain designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain: a Commercial Drivers License and endorsements; and/or certification as a water and wastewater system operator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

+ Certain designated positions require the employee to be certified by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

How many years do you have 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?

+ I do not have of the required experience

+ Less than 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

+ Two years or more 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

04

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education in a biological or natural resources program AND/OR 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? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

+ I do not have any of the combined required education and/or experience

+ Less than two years of the combined required education and/or experience

+ Two years or more of the combined required education and/or experience

05

Does your application demonstrate that you have 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.

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.

07

After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

09

Please rate which park preference (1 being the first choice, 2 being the second choice, 3 being the third choice). 1) Gull Point State Complex in Milford, Iowa 2) Pine Lake/Union Grove State Park Complex in Eldora, Iowa 3) Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – Lehigh, Iowa

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Address

6200 Park Ave

STE 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website

http://www.iowadnr.gov/

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