Watershed Coordinator

Overview

The City of Cedar Rapids is hiring a Watershed Coordinator to support critical efforts that protect local water quality and promote sustainable land use. In this role, you'll work directly with farmers, landowners, and conservation partners to implement on-the-ground projects that improve watershed health. You’ll lead field activities, coordinate community outreach, support data collection and reporting, and help facilitate Watershed Management Authority initiatives.

If you’re passionate about conservation, community engagement, and making a real environmental impact—we encourage you to apply!

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying.

Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

This position will perform essential tasks of the Utilities Watershed Program and will work closely with farmers, landowners, and conservation partners to implement water quality improvement projects. The watershed coordinator will lead field work activities and conduct outreach to landowners in the watershed, and will also support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on conservation outcomes. Other duties include providing coordination services to the Watershed Management Authorities, organizing educational opportunities for citizens regarding the City’s watershed management activities, and supporting water quality modeling efforts.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

• Farmer Engagement & Technical Assistance
  Build relationships with farmers and landowners and provide technical assistance for the adoption of water quality improvement practices on farm fields
• Education, Events & Peer Learning
  Coordinate and support field days, on-farm demonstrations, and peer learning sessions
• Data Collection, Modeling & Impact Tracking
  Collect and analyze environmental data
• Model nutrient removal and other environmental outcomes using standardized tools and platforms.
• Track and catalog nitrate and phosphorus reductions from installed practices for use in the Nutrient Reduction Exchange and related reporting efforts.
• Assist with GIS-based mapping and database management of implemented projects.
• Reporting & Communication
  Translate complex data into accessible, compelling stories for use in reports, presentations, and outreach materials.
• Contribute to grant reporting and communications to EPA, funders, and stakeholders.
• Administrative Duties
  Participate in departmental meetings and trainings
• Performs other duties as required

• Bachelor's Degree in environmental or agricultural engineering, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related field and
• Two or more years of experience in coordinating environmental conservation or habitat improvement activities or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Demonstrated experience working with farmers and diverse stakeholders on watershed management and water quality initiatives
• Demonstrated experience with field data collection and analysis
• Familiarity with agricultural conservation practices typically used in Iowa
• Experience with the Esri ArcGIS suite of geospatial processing programs
• Ability to develop, plan and carry out educational programs and informational materials/activities