IRVM Biologist Vegetation Specialist

    Education:

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in natural resources, biology or a related  conservation program curriculum; or graduation from an accredited two (2) year college with a major in a natural resources field and minimum of two (2) years work experience in a related field; ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing; ability to operate a variety of equipment. Standard work week. May require flexible hours and days, with some weekend and evening hours.

     Required Licenses, Registrations, Certifications:

  Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License, Category 6 Herbicide Applicator Certification (within 6 months of hire), Wildland fire training in S-130, S-190 and I-100 (within 1 year of hire) and Burn Boss Certification (within 2 years) including I-Fire Certification / Task Book. 

Safety Training Requirements:

  Certification in CPR & AED, Blood-borne pathogens, Hazard communication, chainsaw safety, ATV safety.  Additional safety trining may be assigned.

• Implements the County’s Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program. Consults with Executive Director, Operations Supervisor and County Engineer in developing the program.
• Trains, coordinates activities of, and supervises seasonal workers, or other county employees assigned to work along roadsides.
• Updates IRVM policy and maintains files and records.
• Performs roadside seeding, mowing, and spraying to establish a safe, stable, and attractive roadsides.
• Oversees prairie management with Operations Supervisor and implements controlled burning projects according to established policy.
• Researches, prepares, and presents reports to the Director, County Engineer, State Weed Commissioner and Conservation Board in a timely and professional manner.
• Works with local conservation organizations and civic groups to accomplish conservation goals.
• Educates, trains, and communicates with landowners, the public and utility companies to encourage proper roadside management.
• Completes grant applications to secure additional funding, including but not limited to the Living Roadway Trust Fund.
• Makes recommendations on operational procedure, prepares special reports, and complies cost and cost-effectiveness data for the Director and Operations Supervisor.
• Assumes responsibility for IRVM equipment maintenance, safety policies, and compliance with safety standards.
• Controls weeds on all county owned and managed property using chemical, mechanical, and manual methods. Orders, prepares, and applies herbicides and pesticides.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws affecting conservation practices, noxious weed control, and chemical application on public lands.
• Maintains and develops management areas and their resources as directed.
• Cares for trees, grasses, and all vegetation in management areas and in the county right-of-way.
• Applies seed, fertilizer, and herbicides on management areas and the county right-of-way.
• Establishes and maintains native plant communities in management areas and the county right-of-way.
• Conducts a public relations program by articulating the philosophy of the Conservation Board and the IRVM program and promotes its programs and services.
• Prepares press releases, conducts interviews, speaks at schools and community groups, and responds to questions and complaints from the public.
• Educates the general public regarding the vegetation in the county.
• Plans and presents programs to schools, community organizations, and the public regarding native/invasive plants, and promotes the IRVM mission.
• Writes annual reports, management plans, and articles for the newsletter.
• Safely operates equipment including tractors, mowers, weed cutters, trimmers, chain saws and a variety of power tools.
• Provides corrective and preventative maintenance on trucks, tractors, and equipment.
• Safely applies herbicides and pesticides.