State Park Technician
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State Park Technician
Salary
$41,100.80 - $60,174.40 Annually
Location
Council Bluffs - 51501 - Pottawattamie County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-02277
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
02/23/2026
Closing Date
3/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
Michelle Reinig; michelle.reinig@dnr.iowa.gov; 515-250-2222
To Apply
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a resume cover letter to the online application.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
At the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we are 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. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated State Park Technician to join our team and help us manage two of Western Iowa's premier outdoor destinations.
About the Parks
Lake Manawa State Park: A 1,529-acre recreation hub in Council Bluffs, Lake Manawa is one of Western Iowa's most popular spots for power boating, swimming, and fishing. It features a modern beach, seven miles of paved trails, eight miles of unpaved mountain bike trails, and the largest ADA-accessible playground in the state.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area: Located near Missouri Valley, this 544-acre area is known for its dense cottonwood stands and peaceful atmosphere. It offers spacious camping, fishing access to the Missouri River, and five miles of multi-use trails that transform into a winter wonderland for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
As a State Park Technician, you will work under the direction of the Park Manager to ensure our facilities and ecosystems are maintained to the highest standards. This is a hands-on role perfect for those who love working outdoors and engaging with the public.
Key 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
Maintain trails, a variety of facilities, park grounds and a variety of large and small equipment used for maintenance work.
Manage invasive species, conduct prescribed burns, and restore native habitats.
Operate motor vehicles and a variety of large and small equipment to conduct facilities and ground maintenance and habitat restoration/natural resource management.
Provide public education programs related to parks or conservation.
Perform physically demanding work that requires stooping, bending and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
Perform work outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions.
Critical Job Competencies
Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Common Sense, Self-Management, 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)
The State's total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) .
Comments
The successful candidate must reside within 30 road miles of the work location in accordance with the Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau travel policy. This position requires obtaining and maintaining a valid driver's license upon hire. Additionally, the incumbent 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.
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 annually thereafter (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 the DAS website for more information about benefits.
College or university students who are pending graduation in May of 2026, with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science, are eligible to apply for this position.
Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com (file://iowa.gov.state.ia.us/data/DNRUsers/mforbes0/My%20Documents/info@govermentjobs.com) . 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.
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov
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
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
06
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.
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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