Basin Coordinator for Western Iowa

Basin Coordinator for Western Iowa Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4682719) Apply  Basin Coordinator for Western Iowa Salary $59,051.20 - $91,083.20 Annually Location State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA Job Type Full-time Job Number 25-00824 Agency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Opening Date 10/04/2024 Closing Date 10/18/2024 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag #LI-POST Point of Contact Jerah Sheets [email protected] 515-314-6328 To Apply The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application Description Benefits Questions Job Description Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list. Join The Team! Are you ready to assist the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in furthering its mission of: Conserving and enhancing our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations? If yes - we are seeking a new team member to join our Watershed Improvement program as the Western Iowa Basin Coordinator. This role will allow individuals to contribute their experience and knowledge towards fulfilling our mission through their behaviors and actions demonstrating the DNR’s Guiding Principles of Accountability, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, Customer Focus, Data-Based Decisions, Empowerment, Integrity, Long-Term Thinking, Mutual Respect, Results/Outcome Orientation, and Valuing Employees. Join us on our journey to become the role model for public service nationwide! What We're Looking for in You! Describe in your application materials how you demonstrate the Guiding Principles & Critical Job Competencies, can perform the majority of the Essential Functions, and have education/experience transferable to the Job Description. Applicants are encouraged to attach a Resume, Cover Letter, and other supporting materials related to the position. This pivotal role brings value to Iowa’s water quality improvement efforts by serving as a technical and financial assistance provider for locally-led watershed projects to maintain or improve Iowa’s waters. This role also serves as a lead worker for Watershed Coordinators. College or university students that are pending graduation in December 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position. Duties & Responsibilities: • Advises the Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator, SRF Coordinator, and Water Quality Improvement Section Supervisor on watershed activities and opportunities throughout river basins in Western Iowa or assigned areas. Serves as the technical assistance provider, watershed improvement advocate, project manager for 319 funded and SRF watershed projects, and financial assistance and technical resources liaison between the DNR Watershed Improvement Program and locally-led watershed projects, and regional, and state watershed groups within the assigned river basin(s). Provides lead worker duties to DNR Environmental Specialist Watershed Coordinator(s) within the geographic area or assigned by the supervisor. Manage and coordinate the implementation of local and regional water quality improvement project activities, conservation planning and implementation of practices, outreach and education, assessment, and other related activities essential to the water quality priorities in Iowa. • Collaborate with appropriate agencies, groups, and individuals that can affect the success of water quality improvements and source water protection in the targeted project areas. • Serve as liaison and resource between the DNR and other local, regional, and state watershed groups within the assigned river basin(s). Examples but not limited to Watershed Management Authorities (WMA), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), County Conservation, and other local government and watershed groups. • Develop and conduct comprehensive watershed and source water protection monitoring plans and/or assessments. Complete and submit all necessary financial and progress reporting documents. • Develop and implement EPA approved 9-element watershed plans to address impaired waters and source water protection plans to protect drinking water. Planning and implementation activities will address areas of local environmental concern, which may include, but are not limited to, sedimentation, nutrients, pesticides, livestock manure, bacteria and other water quality issues in assigned watersheds. • Inspect watershed and source water protection project sites (with varying terrain and access limitations). • Assess the technical accuracy of watershed implementation projects and provide recommendations on improving the technical accuracy of local Watershed Management Plans (WMPs). • Research, plan, and implement outreach and education activities to raise awareness and encourage implementation of practices that improve water quality and source water protection with rural and urban constituencies. Assist with planning and implementation of training for installing watershed practices to varying audiences in person, in the field, and/or virtually. • Develop case studies of successful watershed activities to share with other local watershed groups developing watershed or source water protection plans and/or implementation projects. Essential Functions Reviews and analyzes water quality, water quantity, and nonpoint source pollution issues and mitigation strategies. Reviews environmental principles related to sediment, nutrient and bacterial pollutants and their relationship to water quality. Reviews written watershed plans and provides constructive input and feedback. Prepares and interprets project contracts. Reviews and approves contract/vendor claims, invoices, and draft/final product deliverables. Writes technical and non-technical documents that clearly communicate program and project ideas, needs, goals, and objectives. Communicates technical and non-technical data and information to non-technical audiences in a clear and understandable manner. Communicates verbally with large groups, small groups, and in one-on-one situations. Facilitates discussions among technical and non-technical groups of internal and external stakeholders. Reads and absorbs technical and non-technical studies and reports on environmental planning, soil conservation, flood and hazard mitigation, and river basin and watershed planning. Reads and absorbs laws, rules, policies, and position papers related to TMDLs, water quality assessments, water quality standards, watersheds, source water protection, water quality, and water quantity improvement. Evaluates and interprets the relationship between agricultural production activities, economics, stream hydrology and nonpoint source pollution issues Develops and maintains effective working relationships with staff, state and federal agency partners, local watershed leaders and groups, agricultural interests, environmental interests, local citizen groups, private-sector partners, the regulated public, and industry professionals. Establishes effective contract administration and management strategies. Prepares reports, programmatic and financial tracking spreadsheets, and project and program information databases. Traverses open and/or cultivated fields, rolling terrain, riparian zones, and stream beds. Trains and advises local and regional watershed staff on field assessment protocols and effective watershed planning processes. Critical Job Competencies Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Focus, Team Player, Self Management, Computer Skills, and Technical Skills - Natural Resources Planning, Project Management and Problem-solving. What You Get From Us: A competitive pay plan and rewarding work. Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. (Premiums can start as low as $61/month for single and $205/month for family coverage). Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually. Nine paid holidays/year. Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match. Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match. Professional training opportunities. Flexible schedules and opportunities. Family friendly and professional work environment. Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling) The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more information. Comments This position will work from an office approximately 60% of the time, when not in an office, this position will work in the field in the Western Iowa territory covering approximately 30 Iowa counties (Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, Obrien, Clay, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Monona, Crawford, Carroll, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, and Appanoose). The successful candidate is expected to establish a relationship with local DNR field offices, as well as soil and water conservation district offices and county conservation board offices within the western Iowa district. This position will oversee program operations and team members stationed in the Western Iowa territory listed with the above counties. This position will also meet with water quality improvement partners located predominantly in the Western Iowa territory. This position will also engage with project coordinators stationed around the state and represent the agency onsite for water quality events predominately in the Western Iowa territory and on occasion around the state. The successful candidate must reside within one hour of the Western Iowa territory. Please refer to the map ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dLR2F4ZviHesOXPrLFERQAI2EFJVuiQ0/view?usp=sharing Within this one-hour restriction, the following options are available: • The successful candidate, as approved, may choose to telework (establish a home office/remote working location) in Iowa within the 1 hour driving distance of the Western Iowa territory. • The successful candidate, as approved by all parties, may be stationed at an existing Partner or DNR facility/office in the Western Iowa territory. The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more benefit information. For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment) website. The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Iowa DNR Mission To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations. Selectives 246Grant Writing and Management 6 months’ professional level experience as one of a team or as the sole organizational resource managing the grant program, which includes all of the following: writing grant applications/proposals, managing grant funds, providing technical assistance to sub-grantees, monitoring grants, and grant performance reporting. Experience must have been a major or dominant function of the job. May also include experience reviewing, approving/awarding, and monitoring others' grant proposals, but this alone does not qualify. OR 621Service and Performance Contract Negotiations and Management 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination. Differs from labor contract negotiation. These are contracts with various vendors or other service providers and the applicant must have demonstrated experience and/or education that allowed them to review performance and service delivery and know what to do and be able to act when performance does not meet expectations. Includes: drafting or developing contracts for provision of products and/or services and the related budget components; negotiating the terms of contracts to include: costs, timeframes and performances expectations and/or work products; monitoring and managing all aspects of the contracts: to include timely submission of financial reports, performance reports, work products and determining when appropriate benchmarks for payment of invoices are met. Specific educational courses that relate to the selective might include: contract management, business law, principles of economics, business management and similar courses. AND 450 Natural Resources 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following: Ecology Environmental planning Soil conservation Biological sciences Waste water treatment Forestry Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.) Outdoor recreation planning Physical sciences River basin planning Geography Wildlife management Minimum Qualification 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. 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/EnvironmentalSpecialistSenior-04519.pdf) 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-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .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 (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. 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 (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) 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 Bachelor's 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 Bachelor's 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 bachelor's 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 07 Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' professional level experience as one of a team or as the sole organizational resource managing the grant program, which includes all of the following: writing grant applications/proposals, managing grant funds, providing technical assistance to sub-grantees, monitoring grants, and grant performance reporting. Experience must have been a major or dominant function of the job. May also include experience reviewing, approving/awarding, and monitoring others' grant proposals, but this alone does not qualify? Yes No 08 If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below. 09 Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in service and performance contract negotiation and management? This differs from labor contract negotiation. These are contracts with various vendors or other service providers and the applicant must have demonstrated experience and/or education that allowed them to review performance and service delivery and know what to do and be able to act when performance does not meet expectations. Includes: drafting or developing contracts for provision of products and/or services and the related budget components; negotiating the terms of contracts to include: costs, time frames and performances expectations and/or work products; monitoring and managing all aspects of the contracts: to include timely submission of financial reports, performance reports, work products and determining when appropriate benchmarks for payment of invoices are met. Specific educational courses that relate to the selective might include: contract management, business law, principles of economics, business management and similar courses. Yes No 10 If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below. 11 Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following: Ecology Environmental planning Soil conservation Biological sciences Waste water treatment Forestry Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.) Outdoor recreation planning Physical sciences River basin planning Geography Wildlife management? Yes No 12 If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below. 13 After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation? Yes No 14 Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below. Required Question Agency State of Iowa Agency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Address 6200 Park Ave STE 200 Des Moines, Iowa, 50321 Website http://www.iowadnr.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email