Natural Resources Technician 2

$45,864 - $67,974/Yr

Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Decorah, IA

Full-time - Entry Level

Decorah, IA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Natural Resources Technician 2 position at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is designed for a motivated individual who will support the Private Lands Coordinator and Forestry section staff. This role involves assisting private landowners with forest stewardship, promoting forestry education, and providing public land management services. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of forestry principles and excellent administrative skills, enabling effective collaboration with landowners, forestry staff, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Complete and submit spatially-based reports and spreadsheet reports to the Supervisor, Private Lands Coordinator, and Forestry section staff by quarterly deadlines.
• Ensure the timely submission of claims, timesheets, and vehicle reports as per state office requirements.
• Prioritize and complete cost share applications and related administrative tasks within specified deadlines.
• Attend and complete department training as assigned by the Supervisor.
• Contact private landowners through personal outreach, referrals, and informational meetings to develop forest stewardship plans focused on forest health, wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil erosion.
• Provide landowners with information regarding Federal, State, and local cost-share programs and explain available funding options.
• Mark timber for commercial and TSI harvests in cases where a woodland stewardship plan is in place.
• Assist cities with urban forestry initiatives and activities.
• Complete Forest Stewardship monitoring and Tree Farm re-inspections annually and submit nominations for Woodland Owner of the Year by the required dates.
• Work in collaboration with Forestry Extension to organize and conduct field days and related programs.
• Publicize Division's programs and promote woodland and urban forest management through news articles, presentations, and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with Forestry Section staff to support outreach programs focused on forest health, urban forestry, wood utilization, and fire prevention.
• Prepare stand maps and provide management recommendations for DNR state lands, offering field assistance with guidance from a Forester II.
• Complete any additional tasks as assigned by the Supervisor, ensuring full cooperation and effective completion.

Requirements

• Must have 12 semester hours, 6 months continuous full-time experience, or a combination of both in forestry-related fields such as Dendrology, Silviculture, or Forest management.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must display a high standard of ethical conduct.
• Must obtain certifications including S-130/S-190 Firefighter Training Qualification, S-212 Chainsaw Safety Training Qualification, and CPR/First Aid Certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of forestry management techniques and perform techniques used to conduct basic forestry management projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners, NGOs, and other partners.
• Experience in planning and mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for forest improvement projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $45,864.00 to $67,974.40 annually.
• Health insurance benefits starting 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 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.
• Flexible work schedule and opportunities for hybrid telework.
• Employee Discount Programs for vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, and travel.