Water Program Assistant

The Iowa Environmental Council is an alliance of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment.

Position Overview:

The Water Program Assistant would work with the Water Program Director to ensure the adoption of appropriate rules, legislation and voluntary actions to meet water quality standards and to ensure the health and safety of Iowa's water resources.

Reports to: Water Program Director, Executive Director

Responsibilities:

• Review Clean Water permits such as NPDES permits for wastewater, storm water, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) for wetland dredge and fill (Section 404) permits and state 401 certifications; and prepare draft permit comments.
• Review state water quality enforcement and compliance issues and make recommendations for Council action.
• Assist with Clean Water Act regulatory issues including permit challenges and other forms of litigation.
• Review agency-proposed water program rules and draft rule comments.
• Develop and maintain positive collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and interest groups.
• Write educational materials on issues of concern to public and members for use on website, Council communications, newsletters, and other communications.
• Perform public outreach efforts to engage Iowa citizens in the legislative and rulemaking process.
• Represent the Council at agency, legislative, public and stakeholder meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (environmental studies, biology, chemistry)
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects without losing sight of the "big picture"
• Excellent communication skills; proven ability to write and speak in a clear and compelling fashion
• Strong analytical skills
• Self-motivation and initiative
• An eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
• Previous experience and proven success in bringing stakeholders together to strategically meet program objectives
• A passion for IEC's mission

Desirable:

• Prior experience with water policy development or advocacy
• Existing relationships with state agencies, conservation groups, businesses, or other interest groups
• Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board
• Agricultural background
• GIS experience
• A sense of humor

Compensation: TBD-based on experience level

Status: Part-time, 20 hours/week

To Apply:

Please apply by Friday, September 2nd, in an email to Marian Riggs Gelb, Executive Director.

• Please use the subject line: "Application from __ (your name)"
• Please provide: Resume-attached in PDF format.
• Cover letter describing how your skill and experience best fit this position. You may provide this as the body of your e-mail or attached as a Word or PDF document.

Please do not send writing samples or other information with your application. Prior to an interview, we may request specific information or writing samples from you.

References are not required for the application, but will be expected if you are interviewed.

Please do not contact Marian with additional questions about the position at this time.