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 15, 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.

The Private Lands Urban Conservationist will collaborate with the IDALS statewide Urban Conservation program team 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 renewal; 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. 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. Cooperate with project partners and commissioners to complete annual plan of operations and budgets. Submit periodic reports documenting project accomplishments. Present annual reports to the sponsoring organizations. Conduct information and education programs to raise awareness, answer questions, and promote implementation of practices. Prepare 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 verbal and written communication skills. 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.