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.

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.

Sam Hermite

"Iowa really knows...They've modeled and mapped the state, they have great data and visualization tools, and they have really effective outreach and communication. To really have a complete flood approach, you have to do all of those things."

Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science & Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board

News & Features

Hancher-Finkbine Medallion

Faculty, staff, students honored with 2024 Hancher-Finkbine awards

Monday, April 29, 2024
The Hancher-Finkbine Medallions represent leadership, learning, and loyalty, and were presented to students Vera Barkosky, Mitch Winterlin, Ben Linden, and Riley Post; faculty member Miriam Landsman; staff member Rick Nicely; and alumnus Andrew Code.
AFC and IFC team members surveying a community

AFC connects 4 Iowa communities to build flood resilience

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
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

Events

City Nature Challenge promotional image

City Nature Challenge

Monday, April 29, 2024 (all day)
The University of Iowa is collaborating with Green Iowa AmeriCorps and Johnson County communities to join 700+ cities around the world in documenting nature as part of the City Nature Challenge! You can contribute to citizen science during this global biodiversity challenge no matter where you are in Johnson County!  From April 26-29, 2024, take photographs of WILD plants and animals on campus, in your backyard, in parks, along city streets, on school grounds, or any place in Johnson County...
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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