Water Quality Initiative (WQI) “Agricultural Conservationist” - Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District

The agricultural conservationist is responsible for helping meet the goals of the Water Quality Initiative (WQI) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Polk County - Water Resources Division, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The position interfaces with other State, federal, and local conservation organizations as necessary.  The position is managed within the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). 

The agricultural conservationist will lead a “pilot project” on how farmland profitability can be used to encourage agricultural conservation.  The candidate will utilize newly developed profitability tools to identify marginally profitable farm acres, engage landowners, encourage conservation adoption, and provide technical assistance for conservation surveys and planning.  

This position typically operates during normal weekday business hours, though occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The position is project-based and may be renewed depending on continued funding. Employment is considered at-will. 

Primary Responsibilities

Program Management and Coordination

• Initiate, manage and coordinate agricultural conservation measures that meet the goals of the Iowa WQI initiative on agricultural lands. 
• Maintain project administration systems including quality control, reporting, and documentation of environmental outcomes.
• Coordinate efforts among watershed management authorities and federal, state, and local partners.
• Evaluate project accomplishments and assist in setting priorities for future watershed activities.
• Meet the specific goals of targeted grants and funding sources.

Technical Assistance and Field Work

• Plan and implement outreach campaigns for targeted agricultural customers.
• Conduct field surveys and site investigations.
• Work one-on-one with farmers, landowners, and decision makers to encourage adoption of conservation practices.
• Provide technical assistance related to site analysis, conservation planning, and practice design.
• Assist with layout, inspection, and certification of conservation practices installed on the landscape.
• Implement both innovative and traditional soil and water conservation practices.

Project Administration and Reporting

• Manage cost-share programs and project documentation.
• Track implementation progress and environmental outcomes.
• Prepare activity reports, annual summaries, and grant reporting documents.
• Present annual project results to the public and funding agencies.

Outreach and Education

• Develop and deliver outreach and education programs promoting the goals of the WQI initiative.
• Coordinate workshops, field days, and demonstration events.
• Produce newsletters, brochures, articles, and informational materials.
• Conduct outreach through websites, social media, and community events.

Partnerships and Funding

• Work collaboratively with local agencies, watershed groups, environmental organizations and community stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities.
• Assist in writing grant proposals and funding applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field with at least 18 semester hours and six months of experience in areas such as:
• Soil conservation
• Environmental science
• Hydrology
• Ecology
• GIS
• Nutrient management
• Water resources or related disciplines
• Understanding of applicable environmental laws and regulations including:
• Iowa Code Title V – Agriculture and Conservation of Agricultural Resources
• Iowa Code Title XI – Natural Resources, Lands and Waters
• USDA NRCS conservation standards
• Iowa Stormwater Management Manual
• Knowledge of water quality issues in both rural and urban environments including:
• Soils erosion and nutrient transport.
• Stormwater management.
• Wetlands, oxbow and stream management practices.
• The effects of nutrient pollution on aquatic and biological systems.
• Technical skills to utilize GIS and CAD based design programs
• Ability to interpret survey data
• Working knowledge of CAD based design tools
• Competency to learn and execute basic NRCS conservation designs (waterways, basins, saturated buffers, bioreactors)

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills for data evaluation and interpretation.
• Ability to develop grant proposals and identify funding opportunities.
• Effective communication and public outreach skills.
• Ability to build working relationships with agencies, government officials, landowners, and the public.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, plans of operation, and budgets.
• Proficiency with computers and database systems.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The position requires both office and field work.

Field duties may include:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Navigating rough terrain such as wetlands, slopes, tilled fields, and streambanks.
• Using hand tools and technical equipment.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Traveling throughout the project area, county, and state.

Supervision

The WQI Coordinator reports to the Polk SWCD District Commissioners. Day-to-day coordination will be provided by the NRCS District Conservationist (DC), who will assist with technical capabilities and natural resource planning.  The position does not supervise other employees.

All duties must be performed safely and in a manner that reflects positively on the Polk SWCD.

Performance Review

Performance will be evaluated annually within three weeks following the watershed project annual review. The evaluation team includes:

• Polk SWCD Personnel Committee representatives
• The NRCS District Conservationist (DC)
• The employee

Civil Rights Statement

Programs and services are delivered without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.