Job Details

Job Title

This position will be split between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Woodbury County's Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Each week will be 16 hours (2 days) at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and 24 hours (3 days) at Stone State Park. Days at each location may be subject to change dependent on weather or projects at both locations. Some weekend work may be required. General duties include assisting staff with grounds maintenance, natural resource management, and visitor engagement.

Duties

Essential functions and responsibilities include:

• Assisting visitors by providing park information, checking campsite, cabin, shelter, and lodge reservations.
• Assisting with general maintenance, mowing and trimming grass, trail repair, cleaning restrooms and shower buildings, facility maintenance and repair, and equipment maintenance.
• Operating a variety of hand tools, power tools, equipment, and vehicles after proper training.
• Natural resource management, including prairie & oak savanna restoration and invasive species removal.

Minimum education and experience required to perform essential functions:

• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have a current, valid driver's license and reliable transportation to work.
• Ability to operate string trimmers, riding mowers, chainsaws, and other applicable equipment.
• Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Be physically able to work in extreme environmentally rigorous situations (heat, humidity, steep terrain).

Mental and physical competencies required to perform essential functions:

• Language ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the County. Ability to read and understand maps, legal descriptions, policies, and procedures. Able by voice communications to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Mathematical skills and knowledge: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw or interpret graphs. Knowledge of basic principles. Knowledge of legislative requirements. Knowledge of County procedures.
• Cognitive demands: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to set priorities regarding assignments and follow through to completion; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
• Equipment used: Ability to skillfully and safely operate and maintain a wide variety of equipment and tools; chain saws, ladders, heavy equipment, office machines, computer, etc., knowledge of computer skills to effectively operate Microsoft Office software.

Special requirements:

• Satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid driver's license. Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
• Additional physical requirements: This is a physically demanding position requiring the ability to lift at least 50 pounds on a frequent basis and to use considerable force frequently to move objects; work requires digital dexterity, fingering, grasping and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of tools and equipment, determining accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; worker will be exposed to adverse and extreme environmental conditions.

Required qualifications:

• Possession of a current valid driver's license. Ability to routinely lift 50 pounds, perform physical labor in all types of weather conditions, and be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises. Ability to operate mowers, power and hand tools.
• Woodbury County application is required. Additionally, a resume and cover letter are preferred.
• Applicant for hire must successfully pass a background check, physical exam and drug screening prior to employment. Woodbury County is an EOE. In compliance with the ADA, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

Applicants for employment should contact the Human Resources Dept., Room 701, of the Woodbury County Court House between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Deadline for receipt of applications shall be 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026.