Soil Conservation Technician 1 - Des Moines Co

The Soil Conservation Technician 1 position at the State of Iowa involves providing technical assistance to Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Responsibilities include developing conservation plans, advising landowners on practices, conducting surveys, and overseeing construction compliance. The role is based in local SWCD offices and requires interaction with landowners and contractors to promote soil and water conservation efforts. The position focuses on enhancing natural resources for future generations.
Job Description
The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work of the Department.
The Field Services Bureau seeks to fill the position of Soil Conservation Technician. Land stewardship is central to the work of the Department. The Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality provides farmers with expertise and funds to help them install practices that preserve our highly productive soil, prevent erosion and protect our critical waterways.


The Department is focused on making sure future Iowans can experience the same high quality of life that past generations have enjoyed in our state.


This trainee position will be located in the local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. The position will be working within the County and other surrounding SWCD offices as assigned by the supervisor. Soil Conservation Technicians provide technical assistance to the SWCD in the inventory and evaluation, layout, survey, design and inspection of construction of soil and water conservation practices.


Develops soil and water conservation plans and practices that protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources:


Possesses a strong grasp of state and federal conservation programs available to landowners.Advises landowners on conservation practice options that address natural resource concerns on their land.Explains programs and technical and financial options available to landowners in an effort to address the resource concerns.Completes cultural, biological, and environmental resource inventories for targeted conservation practice locationsCompile planning data in order to assist in the development of conservation plans.Completes the technical design and layout of conservation practices according to state and or NRCS standards and specifications:
Schedules field visits, completes on-site inspections, conducts preliminary surveys, and cost estimates for conservation practice installationCompletes layout, design, and checkout of conservation practices using highly technical survey equipment and computer programs Oversees contractor construction and inspects completed practices for compliance with standards and specifications and evaluates compliance with maintenance agreementsReview conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractorsReviews construction invoices for accuracy and cost share reimbursement through state and federal programs
Informs and educates SWCD commissioners, staff, and the public and attends required meetings and trainings:


Provides courteous, impartial service to all landowners, operators and contractors in carrying out soil and water conservation programs.Assists field office with their education and outreach programs and field days.Assists with special Soil and Water Conservation District projects and programs.Maintains good working relationships with co-workers promoting a high level of productivity. Assists with training new federal, state, district, and partner staff.Attends required state and federal meetings and completes required training necessary to retain competencies for the position
Job offer will be subject to satisfactory completion of a Federal background investigation and/or fingerprint check.


Applicants may attach a cover letter and resume to their application. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.


As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:


Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per monthDental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage$20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long-term disability insurance at no costExceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension planIn addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to