City of Newton Parks Superintendent leaving post

Newton Parks Administrative Superintendent Nathan Unsworth has announced he is leaving his position in Newton to become the Director of Lee County Conservation. Unsworth has been with the city since 2011.

“My educational background is in conservation and one of my goals was to always return to conservation at some point. This job came open and seemed like a good fit for me,” Unsworth said. “It really just combines what I like to do, working with the public but now entirely on conservation.”

Unsworth, originally from Illinois, graduated from Iowa State University in 2007 and started work at Jasper County Conservation as a naturalist in 2008. While in Newton, he became involved with several organizations including the Newton Wellness Coalition, Jasper County Pheasants Forever, Red Pride Service Day, Project AWAKE, Friends of Newton Parks, Newton Fest and Young Professionals of Jasper County.

Lee County, Unsworth said, is similar to Jasper County with a little more acreage. The county also has a small nature center and is located along the Mississippi River.

During his 10 years in Newton, Unsworth has worked on many projects and come in contact with a wide variety of people, both through his career and involvement in many organizations.

“I will really miss the people. I have developed a lot of friendships both professionally and personally, and I’ve loved working with everyone I have had the opportunity to work with,” Unsworth said. “That will probably be the hardest thing — to say goodbye.”

Unsworth’s last day with the City of Newton is April 21.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com