Iowa State University – Assistantships

Prairie Strips Research Team – Water Quality

Position Responsibilities: The graduate research assistant will conduct soil and water related
research investigating the hydrologic, water quality, and soil quality impacts of prairie strips
implemented on multiple farms throughout Iowa. The individual will be involved with
monitoring and analyzing water quantity and quality along with soil infiltration at six existing
paired comparison sites across the state (one field with prairie strips and one field without prairie
strips).

Application Process: For questions regarding this position, contact Matthew Helmers at
mhelmers@iastate.edu (515-294-6717) or Randy Kolka at randall.k.kolka@usda.gov (218-326-
7715).

Resource Ecology and Management

Position Responsibilities: The individual in this position will incorporate best management practice information into the development of nutrient reduction scenarios for various watersheds across Iowa accounting for the maximum level of implementation that could be achieved with the various practices. This scenario development will also assess the cost effectiveness of various options. This work will utilize the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) tool for assessing practice implementation. As part of this work there would be a review of tools or approaches that can be used in evaluating potential load reductions. In addition to developing and evaluating nutrient reduction scenarios, the individual in this position can participate in empirical data collection related to assessing the efficacy of best management practices and their placement.

Application Process: For questions regarding this position, contact Tom Isenhart at isenhart@iastate.edu (515-294-8056) or Matthew Helmers at mhelmers@iastate.edu (515-294-6717).


Position Qualifications: Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in in soil science, agronomy,
natural resources, agricultural or civil engineering, environmental science, or similar program are
encouraged to apply. Applicants with an interest in working in interdisciplinary teams are
especially encouraged to apply. This position will necessitate excellent communication skills,
self-motivation, and collaboration.

Salary: The assistantship will be funded at a competitive level.

Effective: Applications accepted until the position is filled with a goal of starting in the fall of
2019.