Water and Conservation Educator
Iowa State University
Ames, IA, USA 
Position Title:
Water and Conservation Educator
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
MS in water resources, water resources management, agriculture and biosystems engineering, agronomy (with emphasis on water quality practices), environmental sciences or comparable area Experience with conservation, water quality and natural resources education and development for adult and youth audiences Experience and demonstrated knowledge of Midwest agriculture, water quality issues, conservation and wildlife concerns Field work experience Experience with R, SAS, SPSS, or some other statistical analysis tool Ability to drive truck and haul a trailer
Job Description:
Iowa State University seeks a water quality-focused scientist or engineer to serve as a Water and Conservation Educator with two innovative and award-winning outreach programs: Iowa Learning Farms, centered around conservation outreach to farmers and landowners, and Water Rocks!, centered around K-12 youth education and outreach. The Water and Conservation Educator will translate complex science into effective outreach that engages Iowans on issues of water, soil health, in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices via farmer field days, community outreach events with the fleet of Conservation Station trailers, and school visits. The Water and Conservation Educator will conduct on-farm field research on cover crops, edge-of-field practices and other water quality-related practices, and assist in the development and testing of farmer-scientist kits. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of Midwest agricultural systems, experience in water quality and conservation outreach, and an educational background (MS
preferred) in water resources, water resources management, agricultural and biosystems engineering, agronomy (with specific emphasis on water quality practices), environmental sciences or comparable fields.
Example of Duties
Serve as a water quality and conservation subject matter specialist at farmer field days.
Deliver high-energy, high impact presentations in school settings, providing K-12 outreach on natural resources topics including water, soil, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Conduct on-farm field research and assessments on cover crops, edge-of-field practices and other water quality issues, and lead in the development and testing of farmer-scientist kits.
Assist in the recruitment of farmer partners for on-farm demonstrations including in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices.
Translate complex scientific knowledge into various displays and outreach materials including infographics, fact sheets, blogs, e-newsletters, and social media posts related to water quality and natural resources.
Support program evaluation through data entry and reporting in MyData.
Level Guidelines
- Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals • Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues • Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems • Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests • May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff • May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity • Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
May 31, 2023
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the
following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
3) Contact Information for Three References
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free:
1-877-477-7485.
Link to apply: https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/IowaStateJobs/job/Ames-IA/Water-and-Conservation-Educator_R8151