Water Quality Initiative Projects Coordinator - Polk Co

Water Quality Initiative Projects Coordinator - Polk Co

Salary

$61,443.20 - $94,764.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03447

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

susan.kozak@iowaagriculture.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Environmental Specialist Senior- Water Quality Initiative (WQI) Projects Coordinator

Do you enjoy managing high-impact projects and helping shape the future of conservation in Iowa? Join the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) as we strive to support our local farmers while protecting our water quality and environment.

About IDALS: At IDALS, we are dedicated to connecting Iowans with vital programs and information concerning crops, conservation, food safety standards, livestock, and more. Through collaboration with local farmers markets and agricultural communities, we foster a thriving industry that sustains Iowas rich agricultural heritage.

Position Overview:IDALS is seeking a dynamic and collaborative professional to serve as the WQI Projects Coordinator. This position helps connect ideas, funding, partnerships, and implementation into meaningful conservation outcomes. The work directly influences how state and federal investments are leveraged, how partnerships are developed, and how water quality improvements are achieved across Iowas landscape to support the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

As the WQI Projects Coordinator, you will be at the center of a diverse network of conservation partners, working with non-governmental organizations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, watershed groups, agricultural stakeholders, local governments, and state and federal agencies.

Reporting directly to the Division Director, this position serves as a statewide project leader for the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality. The role focuses on developing collaborative solutions, coordinating investments, administering agreements and grants, and helping partners achieve measurable conservation and water quality goals across Iowa.

Key Responsibilities:

Here's some of what you will be doing:

• Coordinate a statewide portfolio of Water Quality Initiative implementation projects, with a particular emphasis on partner-led projects, NGO partnerships, and targeted watershed initiatives.
• Develop and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that invest public resources in locally led conservation solutions.
• Monitor project deliverables, budgets, timelines, and performance measures to ensure successful outcomes and compliance with funding requirements.
• Review invoices and supporting documentation for contract and grant payments.
• Coordinate project implementation activities with Regional Coordinators and other Division staff.
• Assist in developing project budgets, cost-share rates, funding allocations, and annual funding recommendations.
• Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, and program updates for internal and external audiences.
• Support targeted implementation efforts within priority watersheds, including the Des Moines River Basin and other designated project areas.
• Coordinate agreements supporting conservation delivery systems, including conservation agronomists, nutrient management initiatives, and innovative implementation models.
• Assist with development and administration of federal funding opportunities, including USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) proposals.
• Coordinate integration of partner-led infrastructure and conservation projects with Division tracking, reporting, and financial management systems.
• Identify emerging opportunities, challenges, and implementation barriers and communicate recommendations to leadership.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate is a project manager, relationship-builder, and strategic thinker who can successfully navigate complex partnerships and keep projects moving toward measurable results.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong project and program management skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple initiatives and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Ability to build trust and foster collaboration among diverse partners.
• Knowledge of conservation, water quality, watershed management, agriculture, or natural resource programs.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple teams and organizations.

Benefits as a State of Iowa Employee:

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy the flexibility of vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: Secure your future with IPERS Retirement and a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Make the most of Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance - peace of mind.
• Support: Access Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

Learn more about the benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee here.

Join us today!

Join us in making a difference in Iowas agriculture and environmental landscape. Apply today to become a part of our dedicated team at IDALS!

For more information about the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality, visit Soil Conservation & Water Quality | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

E-Verify and Right to Work: 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 visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in a Natural Science and three years of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the required full-time professional work for each 30 semester hours of the required education;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of accredited graduate level coursework in a Natural Science, history, or archeology for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the State of Iowa Executive Branch that includes twenty-four months of full-time work as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer.

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

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

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

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

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.

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.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

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

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

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 Bachelors Degree in a Natural Science? IF YES - How many years do you have of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks?

• I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in a Natural Science
• Less than three years of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks
• Three years or more of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks

04

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school course work in a Natural Science AND/OR full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks? 30 semester hours equals on year of experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than seven years of the combined education and/or experience
• Seven years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) coursework in a Natural Science, history, or archaeology AND/OR full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archaeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tank? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience, Applicants can substitute a maximum of 60 graduate semester hours (in the areas listed above) and must have at least one year of the experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than three years of the education and/or experience
• Three years or more of the education and/or experience

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classifications of Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
• Less than two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
• Two years or more of experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Address 1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/