Blackhawk Creek Watershed-District Technician

Work Location:

The employee will be based out of Grundy County, for the Grundy Soil & Water Conservation District. Out of the U.S Department of Agriculture Service Center in Grundy Center, Iowa.

Summary:

The Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in collaboration with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual to implement the vision of the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District. This will be done by building trust and understanding with key stakeholders, landowners, and farm operators. The selected individual will help coordinate and drive forward implementation of conservation-based water quality infrastructure improvement. The Soil Conservation Technician provides technical assistance to the SWCD in the inventory and evaluation, layout, survey, design and inspection of construction of soil and water conservation practices.

Successful Candidate:

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 locations Compile 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 installation Completes 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 agreements Review conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractors Reviews 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

Work Responsibilities:

Employee must have a valid Iowa driver's license and be able to walk extended distances and carry heavy survey equipment. There will be time spent in the fields, water and land around the watershed so the employee must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods of time. Time will be spent surveying for Edge of Field practices during spring, summer and fall months. Time in the winter months will be spent designing Edge of Field practices.

Required Education:

High School graduation is required. College education in Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environmental Science or related fields preferred.

Wage:

Commensurate with experience.

Range:

$18.26-$22.21. Accrued vacation time (also used for sick leave) , state holidays paid, IPERS, no health insurance offered.

Qualifications:

Strong background in agriculture and conservation. Strong interpersonal skills and proficient communicator. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and display high standards of ethical conduct. Knowledge of soil types. Strong working knowledge of the use of GIS and AutoCAD. Knowledge of Survey, Design, and Installation of Edge of Field Water Quality Practices preferred.

Number of openings:

1

Hours:

Full Time, 40 hours per week Duration of position: Full Time/At-will, grant funded position At-will employment is a term used in U.S. labor law for relationships in which an employee can be dismissed by an employer for any reason (that is, without having to establish "just cause" for termination), and without warning.

Opens:

4/27/2026

Closes:

5/10/2026 Method of applicaton: Submit resume and cover letter to the contact person above by midnight on 5/10/2026 by emailing Meghan.

Koch@ia.nacdnet.net .

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.26 - $22.21 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person Blackhawk Creek Watershed-District Technician 805 West 4th Street, Grundy Center, IA 50638 $18.26 - $22.21 an hour - Full-time $18.26 - $22.21 an hour -

Full-time Work Location:

The employee will be based out of Grundy County, for the Grundy Soil & Water Conservation District. Out of the U.S Department of Agriculture Service Center in Grundy Center, Iowa.

Summary:

The Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in collaboration with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual to implement the vision of the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District. This will be done by building trust and understanding with key stakeholders, landowners, and farm operators. The selected individual will help coordinate and drive forward implementation of conservation-based water quality infrastructure improvement. The Soil Conservation Technician provides technical assistance to the SWCD in the inventory and evaluation, layout, survey, design and inspection of construction of soil and water conservation practices.

Successful Candidate:

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 locations Compile 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 installation Completes 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 agreements Review conservation and construction plans with landowners, staff, and contractors Reviews 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

Work Responsibilities:

Employee must have a valid Iowa driver's license and be able to walk extended distances and carry heavy survey equipment. There will be time spent in the fields, water and land around the watershed so the employee must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods of time. Time will be spent surveying for Edge of Field practices during spring, summer and fall months. Time in the winter months will be spent designing Edge of Field practices.

Required Education:

High School graduation is required. College education in Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environmental Science or related fields preferred.

Wage:

Commensurate with experience.

Range:

$18.26-$22.21. Accrued vacation time (also used for sick leave) , state holidays paid, IPERS, no health insurance offered.

Qualifications:

Strong background in agriculture and conservation. Strong interpersonal skills and proficient communicator. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and display high standards of ethical conduct. Knowledge of soil types. Strong working knowledge of the use of GIS and AutoCAD. Knowledge of Survey, Design, and Installation of Edge of Field Water Quality Practices preferred.

Number of openings:

1

Hours:

Full Time, 40 hours per week Duration of position: Full Time/At-will, grant funded position At-will employment is a term used in U.S. labor law for relationships in which an employee can be dismissed by an employer for any reason (that is, without having to establish "just cause" for termination), and without warning.

Opens:

4/27/2026

Closes:

5/10/2026 Method of applicaton: Submit resume and cover letter to the contact person above by midnight on 5/10/2026 by emailing Meghan.

Koch@ia.nacdnet.net .

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.26 - $22.21 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person