State Park Technician
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State Park Technician
Salary
$41,100.80 - $60,174.40 Annually
Location
State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-02873
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
04/21/2026
Closing Date
5/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
Mike Weis, Michael.Weis@dnr.iowa.gov; Chad Kelchen, Chad.Kelchen@dnr.iowa.gov
To Apply
The Department of Natural Resources 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 Selective Requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
Natural Resources Technician 1 Job Description
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
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 two passionate and dedicated State Park Technicians to join our team and help us manage Black Hawk State Park and Pine Lake/Union Grove, both are premium outdoor destinations in Iowa.
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.
Locations:
Black Hawk State Parkis a scenic state park located along the shores of Black Hawk Lake-the southernmost natural glacial lake in the United States. The park combines natural beauty with rich history, featuring structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s that are still used today. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming, along with trails that highlight native plants and wildlife. The park also serves as a central gathering place for community events and offers a peaceful setting for recreation and relaxation in northwest Iowa.
Pine Lakeis located near Eldora in central Iowa, Pine Lake State Park is a scenic, 650+ acre park known for its unique blend of wooded landscapes, river corridors, and lakefront recreation. The park features two lakes-Upper and Lower Pine Lake-surrounded by deep ravines, rolling hills, and diverse forest ecosystems. Pine Lake offers extensive outdoor opportunities, including hiking trails through wetlands and along the Iowa River, fishing, boating, and camping. The park is also home to historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) structures, including stone cabins and lodge facilities, reflecting Iowa's conservation legacy. As a technician you will partner your time between Pine Lake and Union Grove.Union Grovewas established in 1938 and is a picturesque park in Tama County centered around the 110-acre Union Grove Lake. The park features a scenic dam and waterfall, wooded landscapes, and a mix of prairie and pine plantings that support diverse wildlife and habitats. Union Grove offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking on scenic trails, fishing for species such as bass and crappie, boating, camping, and wildlife observation. Visitors frequently enjoy the park's quiet, natural setting and accessible outdoor amenities, making it a popular destination for both day use and overnight stays.
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 theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more information.
Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
Comments
Special Requirements:
Maintain/obtain valid driver's license. (must obtain upon hire).
CPR/First Aide certification (must obtain within the 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)
Pesticide applicator certification (must obtain within first six months of hire)
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 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/state-employment/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.
Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails frominfo@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 theDNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment) website.
The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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.
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
914 Park 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
Essential Functions of the Position: 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? Please indicate your response.
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 identify your preferred location: Black Hawk State Park or Pine Lake/Union Grove.
Black Hawk State Park
Pine Lake/Union Grove
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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