WQI Edge of Field Contracts Manager - Polk Co

State of Iowa•Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is seeking a Program Planner 3 for its Water Resources Bureau. This role serves as the lead worker and statewide point of contact for edge-of-field project management, including the selection of professional services and contractors for projects funded through the Iowa Water Quality Initiative and Water Quality Infrastructure programs for edge of field/batch and build projects. The position supports farmers while protecting water quality and the environment.

Requirements

Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution of a program.
One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution of a program; a total of four years of education and full-time experience, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
Graduation from an accredited school of law.
Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes nine months of full-time work as a Program Planner 2 or twenty-seven months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.
Strong working knowledge of agriculture, with experience or educational background in agronomy, soil conservation, nutrient management, or agricultural operations preferred.
Passion for water conservation and environmental stewardship.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, cooperatives, retailers, and government agencies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Develop, administer, and manage requests for proposals (RFPs) and professional service contracts for consultant deliverables concerning Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and Water Quality Infrastructure Edge of Field/Batch and Build projects.
Manage, evaluate, and approve monthly invoices and assign cost codes for processing claims for payment submitted by environmental consultants, engineering firms, contractors, and other vendors.
Prepare RFPs and administer contracts for deliverables such as aerial photography, mapping, archaeological surveys, and threatened and endangered species determinations associated with edge of field/batch and build projects.
Develop, administer, and execute professional service contracts of consulting firms for the development of construction project specifications and designs associated with edge of field/batch and build projects.
Act as lead worker and project officer for the Division's contract selection committee as assigned for the selection of firms for water quality infrastructure engineering and design services.
Develop, administer, and manage public requests for bids for construction of edge-of-field/batch and build projects, and oversee project construction contracts.
Prepare contract documents and verify contractor eligibility.
Coordinate and attend pre-construction meetings between Division, project contractor, consultants, and partners.
Attend construction contract meetings as necessary, review completed work, and approve pay applications in accordance with contract documents and in consultation with other IDALS WQI staff.
Develop new and maintain current business relationships with local government subdivisions in counties where water quality and Edge-of-Field/Batch and Build projects are undertaken.
Provide technical assistance to Water Quality Initiative project grantees and contractors on program rules, funding processes, contract compliance, and reporting requirements.
Assist IDALS staff and contract-supported project coordinators in the development and collection of success stories and public outreach efforts.