State Park Technician

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is 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.

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated State Park Technician to join our team and help us manage Prairie Rose State Park, one of Western Iowa's premier outdoor destinations. Located in the scenic rolling hills of southwest Iowa near Harlan, Prairie Rose State Park offers the opportunity to build a career surrounded by one of western Iowa’s most attractive outdoor recreation areas.

The 422-acre park is centered around a beautiful 218-acre lake and provides year-round opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and outdoor recreation. Prairie Rose features approximately seven miles of multi-use trails winding through restored prairie, wooded areas, and scenic lake views. The park also includes two campgrounds, camping cabins, a swimming beach, boat ramps, fishing jetties, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and other recreational facilities that welcome visitors throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Facility & Grounds Maintenance: Keep offices, restrooms, campgrounds, and shelters clean and in excellent condition. Maintain landscapes through mowing, trimming, and trail repairs.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate a wide range of equipment, including tractors, mowers, power tools, and boats.
• Ecosystem Management: Perform vital conservation work such as controlled burns, habitat improvements, invasive species control, and pesticide application.
• Public Engagement: Represent the DNR at public events, collaborate with local "Friends of the Park" groups, and assist visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Administration: Assist with fee collection, data management (attendance and budget), and the supervision of seasonal aides and volunteers.

Essential Functions

• Operate and maintain power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes.
• 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.
• Train staff and volunteers to perform tasks.

Critical Job Competencies

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong core values of Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Common Sense, Self-Management, and Technical Skills (park management).

Requirements

• 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.
• Six 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, and chain saw safety and defensive tactics certifications within the first year of employment.

Benefits

• 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 per 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).

The State’s total compensation package features benefits worth about 30% of your total compensation.

Pay

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).

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.