Western Iowa Basin Coordinator

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

Help protect Iowa’s water resources while making a difference in communities across the state.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an Environmental Specialist Senior to join our Water Quality Improvement team. This position offers the opportunity to combine environmental expertise, project leadership, community engagement, and problem-solving to improve Iowa’s watersheds and protect valuable water resources.

You’ll work alongside local communities, landowners, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and other partners to turn watershed priorities into meaningful, on-the-ground projects.

If you enjoy building partnerships, working outdoors and in the field, solving complex environmental challenges, and seeing the results of your work, this could be the opportunity for you.

As an Environmental Specialist Senior, you will serve as a technical resource, project coordinator, and key DNR liaison for watershed planning and water quality improvement activities within assigned Iowa river basins.

You will:

• Lead and coordinate watershed planning and implementation projects designed to improve water quality, protect source water, reduce flooding, and enhance soil and water resources.
• Build strong partnerships with Watershed Management Authorities, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local governments, landowners, nonprofit organizations, and other watershed stakeholders.
• Provide technical expertise in watershed assessments, EPA-approved nine-element watershed plans, best management practices, monitoring, and project implementation.
• Manage projects from planning through completion
  , including budgets, contracts, grants, reporting, site visits, project evaluations, and quality control.
• Use GIS, monitoring, modeling, land-use assessments, and other technology to identify priority areas, evaluate progress, and develop innovative solutions.
• Connect communities with funding opportunities and assist with the development of grant, loan, and watershed improvement projects.
• Lead meetings, outreach, education, and training for local partners, stakeholders, watershed coordinators, and other audiences.
• Represent the Iowa DNR at local, regional, and statewide meetings and communicate water quality priorities and available program resources.
• Collaborate with state and federal partners to develop statewide strategies, technical guidance, training, and program improvements.
• Share successful projects and practices through presentations, case studies, field activities, and other outreach efforts.

We’re looking for an environmental professional who is:

• Passionate about Iowa’s natural resources and protecting water quality.
• A strong relationship builder who enjoys working with diverse communities, organizations, and stakeholders.
• An effective communicator who can explain technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A skilled problem solver who can evaluate complex environmental issues and develop practical solutions.
• Organized and self-directed
  , with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines.
• Comfortable working in both the field and office
  , including conducting site visits and meeting with local partners.
• Comfortable embracing diverse technology to maximize efficiencies
  , including digital and virtual group meetings, project management software, and other tools to enhance productivity.
• Experienced in environmental planning, watershed management, conservation, water quality, or a related field.
• Interested in using technology and data to support…