Water Quality Technical Specialist - North Raccoon River Watershed District

Job Description

The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (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 Water Quality Program Support Technician
3. 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 position will be responsible for working in multiple counties in the North Raccoon Watershed, which includes Polk, Dallas, Greene, Carroll, Calhoun, Webster, Sac, Pocahontas, and Buena Vista counties. The position will provide technical assistance and support for the implementation of priority water quality projects and associated conservation practices as identified in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

• Proficiently complete technical design and layout of conservation practices according to state and federal standards and specifications.
• Coordinate and execute on-site inspections, conduct preliminary and final surveys, and cost estimates for conservation practice installation. Coordinate field team activities in a leadership role.
• Take a lead role in the layout, design, and checkout of conservation practices using highly technical survey equipment and computer programs. Maintain equipment and provide guidance to new users.
• Oversee contractor construction and inspect completed practices for compliance with standards and specifications and evaluate compliance with maintenance agreements. Assess and provide alternatives when needed and applicable.
• Review conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractors.
• Review construction invoices for accuracy and cost share reimbursement through state and federal programs.
• Provide training, guidance and oversight for SCTI and SCTII positions.
• Takes a lead role in developing comprehensive soil and water conservation plans and practices that protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources.
• Possesses proficiency in conservation programs available to landowners.
• Promotes and advises landowners on conservation practice options that address natural resource concerns on their land.
• Assumes role as a subject matter expert in 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. Solves problems and suggests alternatives as issues arise with assessments.
• Compiles and analyzes planning data in order to assist in the development of conservation plans.
• Takes a lead role in communicating with NRCS staff and SWCD commissioners, 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.
• Coordinate and execute education and outreach programs and field days.
• Assists with special IDALS projects and programs.
• Maintains and develops new working relationships with co-workers promoting a high level of productivity.
• Takes a lead role in providing 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.

• Job offer will be subject to satisfactory completion of a federal background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Targeted for domicile in Polk, Dallas, Greene, Carroll, Calhoun, Webster, Sac, Pocahontas, or Buena Vista County but other…