State Forest Technician
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State Forest Technician
Salary
$41,100.80 - $60,174.40 Annually
Location
Chariton - 50049 - Lucas County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-02902
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
04/24/2026
Closing Date
5/7/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
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
Natural Resources Technician 1
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
Join a hands-on, mission-driven team where your work directly shapes the health, sustainability, and future of Iowa's forests. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a passionate and dedicate State Forest Technician to join our team and help us manage Stephens State Forest, Iowa's largest state forest. Under the guidance of the Area Forester and District Supervisor, you'll play a key role in managing diverse landscapes, supporting conservation efforts, and maintaining high-quality public lands.
What You'll Do:
Forest Management & Conservation
Help establish the next generation of forests by planting trees using both hand tools and mechanized equipment.
Prepare and restore sites through chemical and mechanical methods to support successful tree growth and direct seeding.
Maintain young plantings through mowing, spraying, disking, and fencing to ensure long-term success.
Improve forest stands through thinning, tree release, and pre- and post-harvest treatments using chainsaws and heavy equipment such as tractors, winches, and dozers.
Support wildfire response efforts and assist with prescribed burns to promote ecosystem health.
Contribute to the establishment and management of native prairies and grasslands.
Assist with forest health initiatives, including invasive species control, disease prevention, and insect monitoring.
Collect native seed for use in the state forest nursery.
Forest Operations & Maintenance
Maintain forest landscapes by mowing grass and brush with a variety of equipment.
Support infrastructure by maintaining forest roads, installing culverts, repairing drainage systems, and applying surfacing materials.
Build and maintain trails, including erosion control, surfacing, mowing, and signage installation.
Construct and maintain boundary fencing and signage using hand tools and mechanized equipment.
Perform general upkeep of buildings, including cleaning, repairs, and maintenance.
Maintain access lanes and support improvements to agricultural lands within forest areas.
Service and maintain a wide range of equipment-fueling, performing routine maintenance, minor repairs, and keeping detailed service records.
Leadership & Team Support
Lead and mentor part-time staff, ensuring work is completed efficiently and safely.
Assist with data collection and reporting, including tracking attendance, budgets, fuel usage, incidents, and payroll.
Support fee collection in accordance with DNR policies and procedures.
Stephens State Forestis located in south-central Iowa. It is the largest state forest in Iowa, encompassing more than 15,500 acres across five counties. Established in the 1930s through Civilian Conservation Corps reforestation efforts, the forest today serves as a premier example of sustainable forest management and natural resource stewardship. Stephens State Forest is composed of seven distinct management units and features a diverse landscape of upland and bottomland hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and wildlife habitat. The forest supports a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, and wildlife observation, while maintaining a more rugged, backcountry experience compared to traditional state parks.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating equipment, and making a tangible impact on natural resource conservation. Every day brings variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to contribute to something lasting.
Essential Functions:
Operate motor vehicles and a variety of large and small equipment to conduct facility/grounds maintenance and forest/natural resource management.
Maintain trails, facilities/grounds and forest landscape and a variety of large and small equipment used for maintenance work.
Manage invasive species, conduct prescribed burns and restore forest habitats.
Manage data entry and basic analysis for natural resource assessments.
Develop and implement land management plans.
Provide public education programs related to 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 (forest/natural resource 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).
Obtain a class A driver's license. (must obtain within first twelve months of hire)
Pesticide applicator certification (must obtain within first six months of hire)
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.
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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