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.

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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
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 Office of Strategic Communication
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
American Flood Coalition
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
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Events

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...
Filmscene | Common Ground promotional image

Filmscene | Common Ground

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 6:30pm to 9:30pm
FilmScene
Come to Filmscene for a screening of the Common Ground documentary on Wednesday, May 22nd. Common Ground details the money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. After the film, a panel discussion will be held with Iowa Valley RC&D Executive Director Jason Grimm, IIHR's own Kate Giannini, Natasha Wilson from West Fork Farmstead, and Tommy Hexter from the Iowa Farmer's Union. The event is a pay-what-you-can admission with a suggested price of $10 per person, with proceeds directly supporting the Grow program. The panel discussion will take place following the screening of the film.
Celebrating Prof. Witold Krajewski's Retirement as Iowa Flood Center Director promotional image

Celebrating Prof. Witold Krajewski's Retirement as Iowa Flood Center Director

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 (all day)
Please help us celebrate Professor Witold Krajewski's retirement as Iowa Flood Center director! To honor his contributions and impacts on improving Iowa's flood resiliency and advancing scientific discovery and innovation for the broader water resources engineering community, a series of events will take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
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