Professional Development
Professional Development
Leading and coordinating watershed management projects requires a diverse skill set. There are several training programs in the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Red River Basins and beyond that equip watershed professionals with these skills.
These programs cover the basics of watershed and/or soil and water resources management, including the ecological, social, and practice-based elements. Many programs are state-based and, thus, tailored to their state, but may not be exclusive to those state’s residents.
Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy
Purdue University
The Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy is designed to increase participants’ capacity to lead community-based watershed efforts to protect and restore water quality. Topics include watershed science, technology skills, leadership, and engaging local decision makers.
Target Audiences:
Watershed coordinators, conservation agency and district staff, volunteers, engineers, consultants, and non-profit organizations
Format:
Hybrid virtual and in-person sessions over 5 months, held annually
Professional certificate available:
Yes
Fee:
$1250 or $750 for non-profit organizations
Geographic reach:
Content is Indiana focused, but residents of other states can participate
Iowa Watershed Academy
Iowa State University
The Iowa Watershed Academy is for Iowa watershed project coordinators and features topics in the areas of phosphorus management, nutrient reduction strategy measurement, project management, communication and engagement strategies, and hands-on tours and demonstrations.
Target Audiences:
Watershed coordinators employed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Watershed Approach, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ISU Extension, counties, and other nonprofit organizations
Format:
One-and-a-half day in-person sessions, held twice annually in spring and fall
Professional certificate available:
No
Fee:
Free for target audiences
Geographic reach:
Iowa-based professionals only
Michigan Lake and Stream Leaders Institute
Michigan State University
An intensive, multi-session, statewide leadership development program that helps participants develop technical and people skills to become more effective leaders in addressing, managing, and protecting Michigan’s inland waters.
Target Audiences:
Water resource professionals, decision makers, waterfront property owners, engaged community members
Format:
3 in-person sessions (5 days total) in classroom and outdoor settings; held biennially. Independent applied projects.
Professional certificate available:
No, but continuing education credits are available
Fee:
Up to $400, depending on format
Geographic reach:
Content is Michigan focused, but residents of other states can participate
Watershed Specialist Training Program
University of Minnesota
The Watershed Specialist Training program has delivered an online training course since 2013, targeting current and aspiring water resource professionals. The goal is to continually build local capacity to address Minnesota’s water resource challenges. The program is taking a break in 2022 to reassess needs and possibly revise the format. Look for a return in 2023.
Target Audiences:
Water resource professionals in local government and nonprofits, private consultants, students
Format:
Virtual for 14 weeks
Professional certificate available:
Yes
Fee:
$880
Geographic reach:
Minnesota, but residents of other states can participate
Nebraska Water Leaders Academy
University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska
The mission of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy is to provide learning opportunities that focus on cooperative approaches to solving Nebraska’s water issues.
Target Audiences:
Early to mid-career professionals wanting to be more involved in water issues in Nebraska.
Format:
6 in-person sessions, held annually. Team projects.
Professional certificate available:
No, but continuing education credits available
Fee:
$2000
Geographic reach:
Nebraska, put residents of other states can participate
Soil and Water Conservation Leadership Academy
North Dakota State University
The Soil and Water Conservation Leadership Academy is designed to enhance participants’ abilities to lead community-based conservation projects.
Target Audiences:
Built primarily for Soil Conservation District (SCD) Supervisors, the Academy is also a valuable training experience for SCD employees, watershed coordinators, partner organization staff, and other local leaders.
Format:
Three levels, each offered as one-day workshops. Levels I and II are offered both in person and virtually
Professional certificate available:
Yes
Fee:
Level I is free; Levels II and III are $25
Geographic reach:
North Dakota, but residents of other states can participate
Arkansas Watershed Steward Program
University of Arkansas
The purpose of this program is to promote healthy watersheds, increase understanding of the potential causes of water resource degradation, and give people the knowledge and tools they need to identify, prevent and/or resolve water quality problems.
Target Audiences:
Community leaders, educators, concerned citizens
Format:
Virtual or in-person trainings customized for audiences
Professional certificate available:
No
Fee:
Free
Geographic reach:
Arkansas residents only
Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute
University of Wisconsin Extension Lakes
The Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute is a leadership program that enhances the skills and broadens the capabilities of people in our lake communities to champion effective and communicative collaboration with the goal of protecting and managing our lakes.
Target Audiences:
Natural resources professionals, community leaders, educators, concerned citizens
Format:
Three, two-day in-person seminars at retreat centers around the state
Professional certificate available:
No
Fee:
$350
Geographic reach:
Participants must be a member of a Wisconsin lake or water organization, but may reside in another state
Grow More
National Wildlife Federation
The Grow More workshop helps conservation practitioners grow their outreach skills, attract new audiences, and encourage greater use of conservation practices – particularly among farmers who aren’t part of “the choir” – through hands-on activities, creative framing, and cross-state networking tips.
Target Audiences:
Watershed coordinators, conservation agency and district staff, non-profit organizations, consultants, technical advisors
Format:
In-person workshops are preferred, but virtual workshops are possible
Professional certificate available:
No
Fee:
Contact Kaycie Waters-Brocka for pricing
Geographic reach:
National
EPA Watershed Academy
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Watershed Academy provides self-paced training modules and webcasts from national experts about a range of watershed management topics.
Target Audiences:
Watershed managers, local officials, decision makers, and involved citizens
Format:
Online and self-paced
Professional certificate available:
Yes
Fee:
Free
Geographic reach:
National
The Confluence for Watershed Leaders
We are a multi-state community and collaborative of people working for healthy watersheds in the Great Lakes, Greater Mississippi River, and Red River Basins of the U.S. Midwest and Mid-South. The Confluence is where watershed professionals, watershed educators, and engaged farmers and landowners can connect, learn, and increase their success in achieving clean water goals.
Stay in the Know
Subscribe to our email list to get the latest blog posts, opportunities, and more.