WATER RESOURCES PLANNER

Polk County is seeking a Water Resources Planner in Des Moines, IA, starting on or after 7/1/25. The role involves coordinating regional watershed efforts, managing projects, and facilitating partnerships among communities. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, securing funding, developing budgets, and overseeing water resource projects. Candidates should have knowledge of water resources planning and GIS proficiency. Applications for both the Planner and Specialist positions are encouraged.
Important Information about this posting:
• Position will not start until 7/1/25 or after.
• Polk County is hiring two positions within the Water Resources Division, a Water Resources Specialist and a Water Resources Planner. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to review and apply for both positions. For candidates who qualify, there will be an opportunity to interview for both positions but candidates will not be considered for a position without an application submittal.

Under general supervision, performs responsible work in coordinating regional watershed efforts by organizing, managing, and assisting the activities and operations within the Public Works Department involving water resources planning, fundraising, project management, and regional partnership facilitation. This position will serve as the watershed coordinator for three distinct Watershed Management Authorities (WMAs), while serving as a technical expert to member communities and Polk County.
• Coordinates regional watershed planning efforts, including field assessments, stakeholder engagement, project identification, research, mapping, and program development.
• Serves as the primary coordinator for three WMAs and 20 member communities, with responsibilities to lead quarterly WMA meetings, develop priorities and actions, plan work sessions, and set agendas.
• Collaborates with member communities to foster partnerships and ensure alignment of goals, effectively navigating diverse expectations and policies; reviews historical plan implementation outcomes to guide future planning efforts.
• Plans and oversees the implementation of strategies to address regional watershed and water resource problems, including construction, engineering design, consultant planning, and projects led by Polk County staff; compiles research, statistical analysis, and technical reports.
• Investigates and secures private and public grant funding opportunities; prepares proposals, applications, reports, agreements, and resolutions.
• Develops and manages budgets, tracks progress, reviews invoices, and ensures accounting requirements are met through effective use of excel spreadsheets and reporting systems.
• Prepares watershed management plans, meeting minutes, educational documents, website materials, and exhibits in collaboration with water resources staff.
• Assists first staff with surveys, construction site management, and landowner consultations, providing support for technical and logistical needs.
• Performs inspects and management of water resources construction projects, including documenting inspections and maintaining required records; reviews site plans, stormwater management plans, and construction documents, offering recommendations and solutions as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Thorough knowledge of water resources planning and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of public drainage systems including overall watershed processes, storm conveyance management, drainage districts, and strategies to reduce impacts to public and private property.
• Thorough knowledge of watershed planning, management, and coordination methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the preparation of planning documents, mapping, exhibits, and technical reports.
• Proficiency in geographic information system (GIS) platforms to complete work tasks, maintain databases, and generate maps, exhibits, and other planning related documents.
• Proficiency in budget management and accounting, including development excel spreadsheets and tracking financial progress.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and inwriting.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement work tasks independently.
• Ability to gather and analyze technical research, make comprehensive recommendations, and implement effective solutions regarding drainage and watershed related items.
• Ability to interpret and apply codes, ordinances, and regulations and explain them to the public, developers, and contractors.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze plans, drawings, and diagrams.
• Ability to use persuasion, tact, negotiation skills, and diplomacy to effectively balance the needs of numerous communities and lead collaborative work amongst stakeholders.
• Ability to make formal presentations to boards, commissions, and community groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, public officials, county staff, engineers, contractors, property owners, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk on uneven or unstable ground such as within a stream or ditch, on steep slopes, or on a construction site for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources, Sustainability, Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, and
• Four years of water resources planning, project management, and/or coordination work experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:
• A criminal background check isrequired.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer ofemployment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.