Soil Conservation Technician - Des Moines

Salary: $34,444.80 - $49,753.60 Annually

Location: Burlington - 52601 - Des Moines County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 26-03044

Agency: 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date: 05/12/2026

Closing Date: 5/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

Point of Contact: deborah.morgan-lennie

The approximately 345 employees of the IDALS are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work of the Department.

The Field Services Bureau seeks to fill the position of Soil Conservation Technician. Land stewardship is central to the work of the Department. The Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality provides farmers with expertise and funds to help them install practices that preserve our highly productive soil, prevent erosion and protect our critical waterways. The Department is focused on making sure future Iowans can experience the same high quality of life that past generations have enjoyed in our state.

This trainee position will be located in the local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. The position will be working within the County and other surrounding SWCD offices as assigned by the supervisor. Soil Conservation Technicians provide technical assistance to the SWCD in the inventory and evaluation, layout, survey, design and inspection of construction of soil and water conservation practices.

Develops soil and water conservation plans and practices that protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources:

• Possesses a strong grasp of state and federal conservation programs available to landowners.
• Advises landowners on conservation practice options that address natural resource concerns on their land.
• Explains programs and technical and financial options available to landowners in an effort to address the resource concerns.
• Completes cultural, biological, and environmental resource inventories for targeted conservation practice locations.
• Compile planning data in order to assist in the development of conservation plans.

Completes the technical design and layout of conservation practices according to state and/or NRCS standards and specifications:

• Schedules field visits, completes on-site inspections, conducts preliminary surveys, and cost estimates for conservation practice installation.
• Completes layout, design, and checkout of conservation practices using highly technical survey equipment and computer programs.
• Oversees contractor construction and inspects completed practices for compliance with standards and specifications and evaluates compliance with maintenance agreements.
• Review conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractors.
• Reviews construction invoices for accuracy and cost share reimbursement through state and federal programs.

Informs and educates SWCD commissioners, staff, and the public and attends required meetings and trainings:

• Provides courteous, impartial service to all landowners, operators and contractors in carrying out soil and water conservation programs.
• Assists field office with their education and outreach programs and field days.
• Assists with special Soil and Water Conservation District projects and programs.
• Maintains good working relationships with co-workers promoting a high level of productivity.
• Assists with training new federal, state, district, and partner staff.
• Attends required state and federal meetings and completes required training necessary to retain competencies for the position.

As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
• Dental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long-term disability…