Water Quality Initiative Projects Coordinator - Polk Co

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

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (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 Iowa's 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.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's 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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.