Water Quality Technical Specialist - Middle Cedar Watershed - SCT

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on farms and those in 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 Middle Cedar Watershed (Franklin, Butler, Hardin, Grundy, Blackhawk, Buchanan, Tama, Benton, Lind). It 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; lead field team activities.
• 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, evaluate compliance with maintenance agreements, and 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 with these duties for SCTI and SCTII positions.
• Develop comprehensive soil and water conservation plans and practices that protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources.
• Possess proficiency in conservation programs available to landowners.
• Promote and advise landowners on conservation practice options that address natural resource concerns on their land.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in programs and technical and financial options available to landowners.
• Complete cultural, biological, and environmental resource inventories for targeted conservation practice locations; solve problems and suggest alternatives as issues arise with assessments.
• Compile and analyze planning data to assist in the development of conservation plans.
• Provide training, guidance and oversight for SCTI and SCTII positions.
• Provide 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.
• Assist with special IDALS projects and programs.
• Maintain and develop new working relationships with co‑workers to promote a high level of productivity.
• Take a lead role in providing training for new federal, state, district, and partner staff.
• Attend required state and federal meetings and complete required training necessary to retain competencies for the position.

Minimum qualification requirements:

• Graduation from high school or GED and forty‑two months of full‑time work in engineering or an engineering field survey; or
• An equivalent combination of education from a college, university, or technical school and experience substituting thirty semester hours of coursework in civil engineering or engineering survey for twelve months of the required experience, with a maximum substitution of thirty‑six months; or
• Current continuous experience in the State executive branch that includes eighteen months of full‑time work as a Soil Conservation Technician.

• Low…