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IRM Intern

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Posted 04/11/2023
County Benton
Location Vinton, Iowa
Salary 17/hour

Description

 

The IRM Internship offers an exciting opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in the field of Ecosystem Management and Agriculture. This position was created in the Iowa Roadside Management Program with two goals in mind. The first is to offer professional development to those working toward full-time employment in this competitive field. The second is to have the successful applicant apply their skills to help further the goals of the IRM program.
Benton County has over 5000 acres of road right-of-way that are managed by the county’s IRM Program / Weed Commission. When right-of-way is disturbed for various projects the county’s IRM is tasked with reconstructing prairie in these areas. The IRM Intern will work under the direction of the Roadside Manager to accomplish work related to these reconstructions.
Additionally, the successful applicant will be tasked with honing skills and acquiring certifications that are a necessity in the field of Ecosystem Management. Assuming that the applicant has not attained them prior to employment, the following skills and certifications will be sought: Pesticide Applicators License (Categories 1A and 6), Prescribed Fire Training (S130, S190, S290), Native Plant Identification, General Equipment Maintenance and Use.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

            Prairie Management:

  • Plant and maintain native grass/forb communities in newly graded, cleaned out or otherwise disturbed sites on county rights-of-way.
  • Inventory and documenting plant communities and trends along county rights-of-way.
  • Manage roadside prairie remnants to improve diversity and promote their continued health.
  • Conduct brush and tree removal in the road right-of-way.
  • Participate in prescribed burning operations in county right-of-way.
  • Construct and place signs to mark established prairie plantings in Benton County ROW.

 

Noxious and Invasive Weed Management:

  • Aid IRM staff in controlling noxious weeds in Benton County right-of-way.
  • Assist the Benton County Weed Commissioner in addressing noxious weed complaints.
  • Management and removal of roadside trees and brush

Professional Development:

  • Acquire Pesticide Applicators License in Categories 1A (Agriculture) and 6 (Right-of-Way)
  • Acquire Wild Land Fire Training Certifications (S-130, S-190, S-290)

General:

  • Routine maintenance of department equipment and facilities.
  • Present prairie related talks to local community groups to spread information about IRVM.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education:

  • Applicant is required to be enrolled in or graduated from an educational program related to natural resource management.

Technical Skills:

  • Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher).
  • Demonstration of strong organization skills
  • Demonstration of good oral and written communication skills
  • Basic knowledge of native and introduced plant species including identification
  • Ability to work well with the public and private sectors on diverse roadside projects
  • Basic knowledge of wildlife management and conservation practices
  • Ability to operate and maintain power equipment
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize job activities to achieve maximum results

 

Return Application To

Please send Application, Resume and Cover letter to ghaefner@bentoncountyia.gov Mail to 205 2nd Ave. Vinton, Iowa 52349

 

Benton County is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in the job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

To Apply

Please send Application, Resume and Cover letter to ghaefner@bentoncountyia.gov or mail to 205 2nd Ave. Vinton, Iowa 52349

More Information

https://www.bentoncountyia.gov/employment/seasonal_irm_intern/