Full job description
Position Title: Water Quality & Outreach Specialist
Organization: Prairie Rivers of Iowa Resource, Conservation & Development
Location: Ames, Iowa March 24, 2026
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Summary
The Water Quality & Outreach Specialist coordinates and implements Prairie Rivers of Iowa’s watershed monitoring and community science programs in partnership with local governments, conservation organizations, and volunteers. The position integrates field sampling, laboratory results, volunteer monitoring data, and watershed research to evaluate water quality conditions in local watersheds.
The Specialist supports ongoing monitoring programs, contributes to new monitoring and outreach initiatives as opportunities arise, analyzes and interprets water quality data, develops visualizations and summaries, and communicates findings through reports, presentations, web content, and public outreach. This role also organizes and leads volunteer monitoring events, collaborates with partner organizations, and helps translate water science into information that community members and decision-makers can understand and use.
Key Responsibilities
Water Quality Monitoring
- Collect monthly water samples at monitoring sites around Story County.
- Organize twice-a-year volunteer monitoring events, including ordering supplies and training volunteers.
- Plan and coordinate special monitoring projects such as microbial source tracking.
- Assist with development and implementation of quality assurance protocols for water monitoring.
Data Analysis & Visualization
- Translate data from the local water monitoring program into clear and accessible information for the public, by preparing charts, maps, and summaries.
- Post timely updates, either by using existing R code or developing an efficient workflow with other tools.
- Evaluate weather conditions and changes in the watershed that may influence results.
- Prepare annual monitoring reports and technical summaries showing patterns and trends.
- As time allows, analyze other sources of data to provide a statewide perspective or explore emerging issues.
Public Outreach & Communication
- Communicate local and statewide water issues to the public using a variety of methods:
- Blog posts and newsletter articles
- Presentations to community groups, volunteers, schools, and partner organizations
- Short-form content for social media.
- Support outreach events such as environmental fairs and field days.
- Help organize events to connect the public to lakes and rivers, including an annual creek cleanup.
Partnerships & Program Coordination
- Coordinate with partner organizations including local governments, conservation agencies, nonprofit organizations, educators, and researchers.
- Participate in watershed planning meetings.
- Seek out additional partners and funding sources to expand our reach, as opportunities arise.
- Lead or assist with project reporting and grant development as needed.
- May supervise or collaborate with student interns assisting with data analysis, mapping, or outreach activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, agriculture, or a related field.
- Knowledge of water quality and other environmental issues facing Iowa.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with science communication, environmental education, or public outreach.
- Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with partners and volunteers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with RStudio or other software for data analysis and visualization.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro or other GIS mapping software.
- Experience with water monitoring.
- Experience with citizen science initiatives.
- Knowledge of conservation practices.
- Experience planning projects and writing grants.
Additional Information Prairie Rivers of Iowa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to protect and restore the natural resources of central Iowa. Staff work closely with local governments, conservation agencies, and community members to advance watershed stewardship, habitat restoration, and environmental education.
Information about Prairie Rivers of Iowa Resource, Conservation and Development is available at our website: PRRCD.ORG
Application Process:
Please submit by April 6, 2026 – a cover letter, resume/CV, and references electronically or by mail to the Search Team at search@prrcd.org or to:
Prairie Rivers of Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)
3116 South Duff Ave. Suite 201
Ames, IA 50010
Equal Employment Opportunity
Prairie Rivers of Iowa does not discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or political beliefs in carrying out the duties associated with this position.
Work Location: In person
