Burn Crew Member na Pottawattamie County, IA

About the Department

Responsible for assisting the Natural Resource Technicians with the management of assigned County parks and/or properties in accordance with Conservation Board policies, state laws, and standard conservation practices. Responsible for assisting in the implementation of all aspects of prescribed burns. This is a day hire as needed position.

Hours may include holidays, evenings, and weekends.

Pottawattamie County, Iowa, park and recreation areas:
Arrowhead Park, Narrows River Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, Botna Bend Park, Old Town Park, Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area, Crescent Wildlife Area, Pheasants Forever Habitat Area,Wheeler Grove Conservation Area and other smaller areas and other duties as assigned.

Headquarters based at Hitchcock Nature Center.

Position Duties

Implementation of prescribed fire as part of a crew. Including ignition, suppression, mop up, monitoring, and fire break prep. 

Operation of UTV, truck and trailer, fire suppression equipment, and hand tools. 

Operation of small engine equipment including chainsaws, brush cutter, grass knives, leaf blowers, mowers.

Minimum Qualifications

General knowledge of and/or ability to learn principles of conservation, wildlife, and fish management and natural resource preservation.

General knowledge and/or ability to learn the safe operation and maintenance of both manual and power tools and equipment used in maintenance and repair tasks.

General knowledge of routine maintenance and repair to equipment, grounds, and facilities.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, various civic organizations, and the general public.

 General knowledge of and/or ability to learn plant identification (grasses, forbs, trees, and invasive species). 

General knowledge of and/or ability to learn proficiency with chainsaw operations, tree felling and safety.

Ability to work in a variety of extreme environments (inclement weather, extreme temperatures, hazardous terrain, brambles, insects, full sun, etc.). 

Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods. 

Ability to work independently and as part of a team
. 
Be willing to become a certified wildland firefighter (S-130/190).

Professionalism and good public relations are essential, as is time management.

Other Qualifications

Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain it throughout the course of employment.  Must have a good driving record.

The incumbent cannot have been convicted of a felony in the past 2 years.

CPR and basic first aid certification is preferred.