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Urban Conservationist - Polk Co

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Urban Conservationist - Polk Co

Salary

$53,289.60 - $80,371.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00161

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

07/22/2025

Closing Date

8/5/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

The Field Services Bureau (https://www.iowaagriculture.gov/fieldServices.asp) seeks to fill the position of Environmental Specialist – Urban Conservationist. The candidate hired will work as part of the urban conservation team and be responsible for providing technical assistance for the implementation of urban conservation programs and practices. The candidate hired will also be responsible for public outreach and education efforts in support of conservation programs and water quality resources in urban watersheds across the state.

Duties

Program and Practice Technical Assistance

Provide technical and planning assistance in the development and implementation of urban conservation programs and practices funded through a number of sources and in coordination with partner organizations and state Agencies.

Technical and planning assistance provided as part of the position duties will include:

+ Assistance with the development of project plans and grant applications for the design and installation of urban conservation practices.

+ Review of practice designs to ensure that projects and practices are in compliance with the Iowa Storm water Management Manual and are achieving the desired water quality benefits.

+ Effective communication and collaboration with project partners throughout the design review process to ensure the project goals and objectives are met.

+ Review of project bidding documents for eligibility of line items and provide feedback for revisions as needed.

+ Review of change orders and provide written comments to verify need for changes.

+ Participation in pre-application meetings, initiation meetings, pre-construction meetings, and site visits during construction, conducts final inspection of project after completion to ensure that required program criteria are being met.

Coordinate with engineering consultants, local community officials and residents, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), and other public and private entities to develop projects and practices within the respective programs that achieve the desired water quality benefits.

Examples of the types of practices to be promoted and implemented include: Bioretention, permeable pavement systems, bioswales, soil quality restoration, native landscaping, stormwater wetlands, green roofs, stream corridor stabilization, erosion and sediment control practices, and other agricultural land practices in watersheds above urban areas to provide water quality and land improvement benefits.

Public and Partner Outreach and Education

Actively participate and plan information and education programs to raise awareness and encourage implementation of urban conservation and best management practices. Example duties will include:

+ Help develop and provide training and outreach to target audiences and create technical resource materials.

+ Organize and conducts tours, field days and other outreach events both independently and in coordination with partner organizations.

+ Communicate with project partners, stakeholders and the public to effectively coordinate efforts and funding sources to maximize program and project effectiveness and efficiency.

Evaluation of Program Needs, Accomplishments, Plan, and Priorities

Provide assistance in the evaluation of both processes and delivery mechanisms(s) for program technical assistance and outreach and education efforts. Example duties will include:

+ Track and report accomplishments and recommends future needs or improvements that increase efficiency and effectiveness of technical assistance and other aspects of IDALS and partner led programs that address stormwater management.

+ Plan and conduct periodic reviews of demonstrated progress, accomplishments, and future needs to Department and partner agencies.

+ Work with other Urban Conservationists to ensure project workload is evenly distributed to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of services.

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs other tasks and special assignments that enhance and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency. Example duties may include:

+ Represent IDALS on various committees such as assigned.

+ Attend and represent IDALS at conferences, workshops, meetings, and other partnership meetings.

+ Plan, coordinate, and assist with staffing exhibits or booths at events to promote IDALS programs or recruit perspective employees.

+ Attend trainings and professional development activities as coordinated with the Bureau Chief.

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

This position is classified as an Environmental Specialist

This position is domiciled in Polk County, but please note that this position requires frequent 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in natural science

OR

an equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/EnvironmentalSpecialist-04513.pdf) .

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Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

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We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

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Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

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01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science?

+ Yes

+ No

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education and full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program? 30 semester hours of the required education equals one year of experience.

+ I do not have any of the required education and experience

+ Two years or less of the required education and experience

+ Two years to less than four years of the required education and experience

+ Four years or more of the required education and experience

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Address

Wallace State Office Building

502 E 9th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/

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