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Polk County Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Conservation department; performs related work as assigned. Illustrative Examples of Work 1. ... Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all ...

Recreational Therapist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Polk County Conservation Board Opening Date: 08/27/2026 Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Central FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: MS Hours: TBD Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable Salary Grade: N/A Location:

Recreational Therapist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Polk County Conservation is seeking a passionate, visionary Recreational Therapist to champion community-wide inclusion at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake, widely celebrated as ...

NY · On-site

$83 - $117/hr

... County, Polk County, and surrounding communities. This is a PRN/per-diem opportunity offering ... conservation techniques, and home-safety recommendations. * Ability to work independently and ...

New

Polk County Conservation information

See salary details

$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do polk county conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for polk county conservation in the United States is $36,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Polk County Conservation?

Polk County Conservation is a governmental organization responsible for managing parks, wildlife areas, and recreational facilities in Polk County, Iowa. The department works to protect natural resources, provide educational programs, and offer outdoor recreational opportunities for the public. Their staff maintains trails, campgrounds, and nature centers, and they also host community events and volunteer programs. Overall, Polk County Conservation promotes environmental stewardship and ensures residents and visitors can enjoy the county's natural spaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Polk County Conservation role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Polk County Conservation position, you typically need knowledge of natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with GIS software, field equipment, and conservation planning tools is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and public engagement skills help build community support and facilitate educational outreach. These abilities ensure effective stewardship of natural resources and successful implementation of conservation initiatives.

What are some of the common challenges faced by employees working for Polk County Conservation, and how can they be addressed?

Employees at Polk County Conservation often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and engaging with diverse community stakeholders. Being adaptable and maintaining strong communication skills are essential for success in this role. Teamwork is highly valued, as many projects—like habitat restoration or educational programs—require close collaboration with colleagues and volunteers. Support and ongoing training are provided to help staff overcome these challenges and grow professionally.

What is the difference between Polk County Conservation vs Polk County Conservation Technician?

AspectPolk County ConservationPolk County Conservation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental science, biology, or related fieldRequires similar credentials, often with additional technical certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, conservation projects, educational programsFieldwork, maintenance, assisting with conservation efforts, educational activities
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agency focused on natural resource managementSupport role within the same agency, assisting conservation projects

Polk County Conservation and Polk County Conservation Technician roles are closely related. The main difference lies in the level of responsibility and specialization, with the technician typically supporting fieldwork and maintenance tasks under supervision. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in natural resource management environments.

What cities are hiring for Polk County Conservation jobs?

Cities with the most Polk County Conservation job openings:

What states have the most Polk County Conservation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polk County Conservation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Polk County Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Conservation Laborer - Parks

Polk County

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist full-time staff with manual labor tasks required to maintain county parks, lands, facilities, and equipment.

  • Perform routine maintenance and custodial duties such as cleaning facilities, maintaining recreation areas, and caring for plants and trees.

  • Maintain and operate equipment including hand tools, power tools, and vehicles, and assist with repair and maintenance projects.


Job description

Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the seasonal maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance, custodial, and laborer duties within the Conservation department; performs related work as assigned. Illustrative Examples of Work 1.

Assists full-time staff with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain a county park system. 2. Participates in the care of county-owned lawns, trees, shrubs, and plants.

Mows and trims grass, clears brush, removes invasive species, and cuts firewood. 3. Performs on a routine basis the cleaning of restroom/shower facilities, shelters, offices, shop areas, rental facilities, and campsite areas; picks up litter and hauls waste.

4. Cleans and maintains recreation areas and playground sites; checks for safety concerns. 5.

Assists with repair, light construction, painting, and other maintenance projects. 6. Maintains and operates equipment such as hand tools, power tools, service vehicles, gators, tractors, mowers, custodial cleaning equipment, and pressure washers.

7. Assists in the maintenance of county trails. 8.

Replenishes custodial cleaning supplies, restroom supplies, and other stocked items in various supply areas. 9. Completes daily work logs and other forms as necessary.

10.Performs related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge and use of hand and power tools in performing manual labor tasks. Knowledge and use of custodial and cleaning equipment machines

General knowledge of the techniques and methods used in tree maintenance and care. Skill in the use and maintenance of lawn equipment including mowers/trimmers. Ability to perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to safely operate equipment including mowers, weed eaters, and hand tools.

Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact. Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods. Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.

Ability to back equipment with a trailer attached. Training and Experience Must be 18 years of age or older. Graduation from High School or equivalent, and Experience with operation of equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, and hand tools preferred, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Pesticide Applicator's License per Iowa Code Section 206.6 is preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Part-Time Positions: A criminal background check is required. A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required

Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position. A drug screen is required. CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.

On-Call and Seasonal Position: A criminal background check is required. A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required. CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.