Open Search for Iowa Flood Center Director

The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa invites applications for the position of director of the Iowa Flood Center at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering. We seek a visionary leader and innovative scholar to direct and manage a team of faculty, research engineers, graduate assistants, and staff to build on the success of the Iowa Flood Center and expand its research portfolio, outreach and communications programs, and scientific and societal impact.

Apply Now!

Serving Iowans

The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa's decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public. IFC researchers, staff, and students strive to develop the most innovative tools and reliable information to improve Iowa's flood preparedness and resiliency. 

stream sensor in action

Flood Monitoring

Nearly 300 stream-stage sensors designed, built, and deployed by IFC measure river levels every 15 minutes, improving flood monitoring and forecasting. Hydrologic weather stations improve flood- and drought- prediction capabilities.

Flood monitoring
flood inundation maps for Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Flood Mapping

High-resolution statewide flood maps for every Iowa stream, along with scenario-based flood inundation maps, keep individuals and communities safe and informed—protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure. 

Flood Mapping
farm pond

Flood Mitigation

IFC staff and researchers provide leadership and technical expertise that supports collaborations with local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement watershed-based strategies to mitigate flood damage and increase resilience. 

Flood Mitigation
watershed model demonstration

Education and Outreach

The IFC participates in dozens of outreach activities each year and is dedicated to ensuring its resources are easily accessible and tailored for diverse audiences. IFC support for undergrad and grad students is developing Iowa's future workforce. 

Education and Outreach

Iowa Flood Information System

IFIS is a free, Google Maps-based web platform that communicates real-time information about stream levels, flood alerts and forecasts, and hydrologic conditions for the entire state of Iowa.

View IFIS
State Senator Chris Cournoyer

"Thank you for your continued work providing real-time information for our citizens to make informed decisions. Love what you are doing at the Iowa Flood Center."

Iowa State Senator Chris Cournoyer 

News & Features

AFC and IFC team members surveying a community

AFC connects 4 Iowa communities to build flood resilience

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
https://floodcoalition.org/
This month, the American Flood Coalition traveled to Iowa to connect with local leaders and find ways to address flood challenges and build resilience. AFC visited communities in its Iowa Flood Resilient Communities Cohort, a group of four municipalities working with AFC to navigate the federal funding landscape and advance community-driven flood projects
IFIS screenshot

March Flood Awareness Month

Monday, March 18, 2024
Iowa Flood Center
The Iowa Flood Center's Iowa Flood Information System online web application provides real-time information about stream levels, flood alerts and forecasts, and hydrologic conditions to keep Iowans safe and informed.
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Events

Growing Sustainable Communities Conference promotional image

Growing Sustainable Communities Conference

Tuesday, April 23 to Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (all day)
Grand River Convention Center
The Growing Sustainable Communities Conference offers innovation, education, inspiration, and collaboration on growing sustainable communities.  Sessions feature presenters with a wide range of expertise, including representatives from federal, state, and local governments, along with business and academic leaders from across the country. In addition to learning sessions, the conference includes two keynote luncheons, mobile workshops, a breakfast plenary session, and more! Stop by the Iowa...

Wide Lens: CLIMATE

Thursday, April 25, 2024 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Rising seas, toxic rivers, deforestation, smoke-filled air—headlines remind us daily of the local, national, and international impacts of climate change. Join us for a wild pecha kucha ride through the effects of climate change with researchers who also tirelessly seek solutions. World-renowned climate scientist Jerald Schnoor will open with big-picture issues. That will set the stage for artist Isabel Barbuzza’s work on South American lithium salt mines, environmental literary scholar Eric...
City Nature Challenge promotional image

City Nature Challenge

Saturday, April 27, 2024 9:00am to 12:00pm
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
The University of Iowa is collaborating with Green Iowa AmeriCorps and Johnson County communities to join 400+ cities around the world in documenting nature as part of the City Nature Challenge! From April 26-29, 2024, people in Johnson County, Iowa, are encouraged to photograph WILD plants and animals in backyards, in parks, along city streets, on school grounds, or any place in Johnson County. Then, join us on Saturday, April 27 to explore the diverse habitats of Macbride Nature Recreation...
IIHR- Hydroscience and Engineering River Cleanup promotional image

IIHR- Hydroscience and Engineering River Cleanup

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 10:00am to 12:00pm
Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory
IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering is organizing a river clean-up along the sidewalk and river bank along South Riverside Drive. If you are interested in volunteering and receiving more information, please sign-up here.  Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. at the Stanley Hydraulics Lab Plaza. Necessary safety equipment and supplies will be provided, as well as safety waivers. Please come in comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes. Additional details will be shared in advance with volunteers who...
Community STEM Day at Collins Aerospace promotional image

Community STEM Day at Collins Aerospace

Thursday, July 18, 2024 9:00am to 1:00pm
The Southeast Iowa STEM Hub will host a Community STEM DAY on July 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Collins Aerospace C Ave Complex, Building 112 Parking Lot. This event is open to the public and 100% free of charge to participants. This event will feature a STEM FAIR, STEM Workshops, and Collins Aerospace Lab Tours. The Iowa Flood Center will have a booth showcasing our watershed model and other materials. Join us to learn more about your watershed and how to mitigate flooding in flood-prone...
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