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Private Lands Urban Conservationist

Polk Soil and Water Conservation District

Ankeny, Iowa

Job Type Permanent
Salary $53,000 per year
Deadline Aug 01, 2025
Experience 0 - 1 years

Position Title:  Private Lands Urban Conservationist
Application deadline: August 1, 2025
Position Classification: Full-time position funded through agreement with IDALS/DNR/SWCD
Position Location: Polk SWCD Office in Ankeny, Iowa
Position Salary: Starting Salary based on attributes of the successful candidate (~$53,000)
Contact:    Polk Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)
                  1513 North Ankeny Blvd, Ste. 3
                  Ankeny, IA 50023
                  Phone: (515) 964-1883 ext. 3                       

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week (no overtime).     Number of openings: (1) One

Method of application: Submit Resume and Cover Letter to the Polk SWCD by 4:30 p.m. on August 1, 2025 via mail or email to polkswcdiowa@gmail.com 

Job Description: The employee will manage and coordinate the activities of urban conservation on private lands in the Des Moines metropolitan area.  The position is located at Polk Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) / USDA Service Center in Ankeny. It is a partnership between Polk Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Polk County Public Works- Water Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship's Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This is an intermediate to advanced position that will work at Polk SWCD with both the IDALS statewide Urban Conservation program and the Polk County Public Works- Water Resources team to provide technical expertise to implement urban stormwater management practices. The employee will focus on project management, project design, technical assistance, and construction oversight for installation of best management practices for residential batch and build promotions as well as other individual private lands in the metro. Duties will be performed during normal weekday business hours. Some evening and weekend work is required. This is a project position with potential to renew the project agreement, and the employee will serve “at will”.

The successful candidate should:
Have knowledge of principles, practices, terminology, and techniques of urban conservation best management practices. They will be able to administer, maintain quality control, and develop effective lines of communication while involving many partners at the state and local levels.  Work one on one with landowners, city staff, and other decision makers to facilitate the implementation of best management practices. Manage batch and build and individual project installation. Design and review project plans, provide technical assistance and construction oversight for projects. Cooperates with project partners and commissioners to complete annual plan of operations and budgets. Submits periodic reports documenting project accomplishments. Present annual reports to the sponsoring organizations. Conducts information and education programs to raise awareness, answer questions, and promote implementation of practices. Prepares newsletters, brochures, correspondence, news releases, field demonstrations, workshops and recognition programs for active participants. Evaluate past accomplishments and prioritizes future project activities involving partners and commissioners.

Required Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in natural science and should possess a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours of education or six (6) months of experience, or a combination of both, in any of the following areas: biological sciences, ecology, environmental science, geographical information systems, geology, hydrology, meteorology, nutrient management, regional planning, soil conservation, urban conservation, or water resources.

Job Qualifications:  Applicant should be a detail orientated individual with the ability to work independently and prioritize work schedule. Applicant needs good communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Job will occasionally require walking through rough terrain and/or inclement weather conditions. Need to possess a valid driver’s license. Successful candidate will need to undergo a Federal background investigation and fingerprint check.      

HOW TO APPLY

Method of application: Submit Resume and Cover Letter to the Polk SWCD by 4:30 p.m. on August 1, 2025 via mail or email to polkswcdiowa@gmail.com 

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category General / Stewardship
Tags Permitting, Environmental Planning