Job Information
Iowa Soybean Association Watershed Program Manager in Ankeny, Iowa
OBJECTIVE: The Watershed Program Manager provides management, organization, and technical assistance support for developing and implementing watershed-based projects aligning with ISA (Iowa Soybean Association) and RCFI (Research Center for Farming Innovation) strategic values and priorities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide management and technical assistance to the development and implementation of local and regional watershed management planning efforts, including the following:
Execute the deliverables of assigned watershed planning, watershed project monitoring, and local/regional projects
Develop and prepare watershed management plans, following a multi-step watershed planning process
Conduct active farmer and stakeholder engagement resulting in place-based geocentric project plans and implementation programs
Assess and analyze land use, land and water management, and resource condition using geographic information systems (GIS) based soil and water resource management tools, models, and planning frameworks
Develop effective watershed-based soil and water resource management programming and working relationships with partners to advance agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes
Design and support implementation of watershed-based water monitoring
Work with sponsoring and partner organizations including government agencies, watershed partnerships, collaborators, and local advisory committees
Provide GIS support to ISA RCFI staff including but not limited to general mapping needs, multiple criteria decision analysis, hydrology, soil loss, and agronomic cropping system modeling
Provide assistance and support on the application of geospatial information systems and database systems for watershed management
Coordinate with the Conservation Program Lead to discuss and review project status, deliverables, workload, assignments, program finances, and integration
Coordinate with other ISA departments and staff aligning work involving soil, water and cropping system monitoring, research, and evaluation
Participate and assist with educational programming, outreach, communications, and marketing
Prepare quarterly and annual reports tracking key performance indicators, successes, challenges, and milestones toward meeting the goals and objectives for designated projects and watershed improvement plans
Develop and provide input to budgets, project proposals, grant proposals, implementation programming and other tasks as needed
Embrace and emulate the culture of ISA
COMPETENCIES
Prioritizing work
Financial management
Demonstrate initiative
Relationship building
Collaboration skills
Exceptional customer service
Evaluating and implementing ideas
Communicating effectively
TRAVEL
This position requires up to 40% travel, typically in Iowa. Travel is frequently outside the local area and may be overnight.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no supervisory responsibility.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental science, agricultural engineering, or a similar ag or natural resources/sciences major or related field in agriculture and natural resources
3 or more years of experience working in an agricultural or environmental related field
Understanding of:
Midwest row crop agriculture, agricultural conservation practices, and the agricultural industry
Practical application of agronomy and environmental science
Computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces
Expertise in watershed planning, water quality monitoring, and natural resource management
Capable of working in a team environment while often working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree or higher in environmental science, water resources, agronomy, agricultural engineering, planning, geography, or a related agricultural or natural resources/science major
5-7 years of professional experience in agricultural or environmental related field
Demonstrated experience in technical writing, public speaking, grant writing, meeting facilitation
Strong understanding of:
Agricultural research
Analytics, advanced GIS analysis, and environmental modeling
Watershed planning
Water quality monitoring
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account available
Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
Onsite Fitness Center
401(k) with generous company match
Tuition reimbursement program
Dress for your Day Dress Code