Water Quality Technical Specialist - North Raccoon River Watershed District

Full 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. This 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.

Duties of the selected candidate will include, but may not be limited to:

Proficiently complete technical design and layout of conservation practices according to state and federal standards and specifications.

• Coordinates and executes on-site inspections, conducts preliminary and final surveys, and cost estimates for conservation practice installation. Coordinate field team activities in a leadership role.
• Takes a lead role in the layout, design, and checkout of conservation practices using highly technical survey equipment and computer programs. Maintains equipment and provides guidance to new users.
• Oversees contractor construction and inspects completed practices for compliance with standards and specifications and evaluates compliance with maintenance agreements. Assesses and provides alternatives when needed and applicable.
• Review conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractors
• Reviews construction invoices for accuracy and cost share reimbursement through state and federal programs.
• Provides training, guidance and oversight with these duties 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.
• Provides training, guidance and oversight for SCTI and SCTII positions.

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.

This position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license.

This position is targeted for domicile in Polk, Dallas, Greene, Carroll, Calhoun, Webster, Sac, Pocahontas, or Buena Vista County but other locations will be considered. Please note that this position requires travel as part of the regular job duties.

Applicants may attach a cover letter and resume to their application. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.

This position is posted for hire as a Soil Conservation Technician 3 classification.

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 $210.00 per month, single as low as $64.00 per month
• Dental insurance is free for single and $48.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long-term disability insurance at no cost
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
• In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave

To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee click here benefits to visit the web page.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

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

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.