Recreation Forest Technician | Oconto County, WI

Description

Responsible for the day to day operations of the Forestry, Parks, & Recreation Department. Under supervision of the administrator and assistant administrator, this position will help manage the County recreational trails and County park programs and assist in implementing the Oconto County Forest Management Plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are intended to describe the general nature of the job.   They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities, duties and skills required by personnel so classified. Other duties may be required and assigned.

PARKS AND RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT:
 

• Oversee the caretaking and maintenance of all county parks and recreational facilities.
• Perform maintenance needs and ensure cleanliness for park support facilities.
• Periodically inspect county forest roads and trails to ensure that they are in safe and usable conditions and/or under compliance with existing use agreements.
• Assist in the maintenance of county forest roads and recreational trails, including grading, hauling aggregate, replacing culverts, brushing right of ways, and other tasks as directed by Administrator.
• Maintain and submit to Administrator reimbursement reports for trail maintenance.
• Assist in the development and construction of projects as directed by the Administrator.
• Maintain roadway surface in parks including filling potholes with cold/hot mix asphalt, snow plowing, and replacement.
• Conduct playground safety inspections annually.
• Identify areas for improvement and develop a plan with administrator for addressing issues.
• Install/replace regulatory signage for trails, beaches, roadways, and dams.
• Inspect, maintain, and operate county owned dams according to DNR approved plans.

FORESTRY:
Under supervision of the administrator & county forester, assist with the county forestry program, including:
 

• Coordinate with the county forester & DNR liaison to complete tasks on an as-needed basis for the advancement of the county forest management plan.
• Sale preparation- Including timber marking, unit boundary establishment, timber, & timber cruising.
• Sale Administration- Including conducting pre-sale meetings for timber sales, checking timber sales for contract compliance, haul ticket collection & cut-product scaling to determine volumes for billing.
• Reforestation- Including site preparation, tree planting, conducting post-planting surveys & stocking surveys.
• Stand Management- including forest protection & mitigation measures, forest fire protection, forest road monitoring, & prescribed burning under guidance from the DNR.
• Good Neighbor Authority Agreement  
• Provide number of hours per contract to complete activities identified in the US Forest Service supplemental work plan addendum. 
• Specific activities will be identified by DNR may include but not limited to timber sale establishment (silvicultural prescription preparation, harvest boundary lay-out, timber designation, cruising, and contract development), reforestation site prep and plantings, regeneration monitoring, and other forest and watershed restoration projects. 
• Learn and understand all US Forest Service Handbooks, Rules, Policies and procedures pertaining to activity assigned. Perform work to US Forest Service standards per handbook, rules, policies and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES:
 

• Collection of campground and other facility fees per county accounting policy. 
• Enforce County ordinances – Have knowledge of ordinances regulation, communicate with public about following ordinances, and writing violation notices.
• Mow and weed eat grass and brush in and around parks, boat landings, dams, and green spaces.
• Complete routine maintenance on equipment and tools.
• Work with multiple departments to include Surveying, Highway, Sheriffs, D.N.R., and recreational clubs.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in 3000 sq. ft. facility and 5000 sq. ft. storage area.
• Interact with residents and members of the public in a courteous and respectful manner. This includes receiving complaints about schedules and levels and quality of service and must make note of and report on any such complaints and respond in a courteous and respectful manner.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
 

1. An Associate’s Degree in Forestry or Natural Resources is preferred, however a High School Diploma or general education degree (GED) and significant work experience in forestry and parks operations or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.  
2. Ability to perform vigorous work outdoors in all types of terrain and weather conditions.
3. Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License with CDL Class “A” endorsement, or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
4. Ability to communicate effectively & efficiently, both verbally and in writing.
5. Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has limited supervisory responsibilities during seasonal work periods.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED  
Employee receives guidance and oversight by supervisors on an occasional basis, works alone on routine matters.
CONFIDENTIAL DATA  
Individual is responsible for maintaining confidential records regarding species associated with the Endangered Species Act.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear and taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:  
The work can be physically demanding.  This position works outdoors in all types of weather, occasionally in isolated areas. They may need to walk long distances through dense woods and underbrush, across forest slopes and across wetlands to carry out their work.  The employee is frequently exposed to insect bites, poisonous plants, fumes, airborne particles and other natural hazards. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock; and blood borne pathogens. Occasionally works in areas with security measures in place and occasionally works with persons of questionable character.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
DISCLAIMER
Oconto County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.